A pile is a pile…
Recently a coaching client asked me, "Do you specialize in the kind of work I do?"
I was about to reply, ensuring him that we have indeed worked with many different people in his field. However, before I could say anything, he laughed and said, "You know, Jason, a pile is a pile!"
Our Coaching programs take into account individual styles and personal preferences. During the coaching, we walk through an easy-to-learn, sustainable workflow management program to effectively process your piles. By using a natural process, you learn to regularly process your e-mail in-box, piles on your desk and messages in your voice mail.
Look around your workspace. Notice any piles of files? Unopened (or opened) envelopes? Legal pads with notes from your last meeting? When these are left unprocessed, they take up physical space, and get in your way. Unprocessed piles of actions and reference are not the most efficient way to organize, track and manage all the things you’ve got to do. They may even slow down your workflow and decision-making.
We coach you in a process to gain control, clarity and focus at your work-station. The most basic and fundamental concepts are two very important questions to ask about everything that comes into your workspace. When you really get it, you’ll do it with everything in your life!
One question is, “When am I done with this?” Creating a goal/outcome galvanizes your strategy and resources.
Once an end-point has been clarified, ask: “What can I do next to get started?”
Next time you receive an e-mail or a memo on your desk, try using those two questions. Chances are, you’ll understand what you’re doing and begin to identify next actions sooner. This is just a first step in maximizing control and focus in the workplace. I have personally seen this process transform a "piled-high" desk into an efficient knowledge-working think station. Our coaching programs assist you in gaining more clarity and focus on your work.
Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/armyant/
Wow, Nik, now that's a story that stands the test of time!
Although, now I bet that same person is up around 400 emails a day...What with globalization and "trimming" of staff that's going on.
Thanks for the comment!
Posted by: Jason W. Womack, MEd, MA | March 04, 2009 at 08:33 PM
I remember Jason telling me one time, speaking of a client of his, "I couldn't help them make a light beam any smaller, but I could help them with the 300 emails they had needing answers."
If taking care of those emails freed up productivity in optical physics, maybe Jason did help them make the light beam smaller.
Posted by: Nikolas Chapapas | March 03, 2009 at 04:41 PM