Away on business: Get organized :: Namibia Internet Gateway cc ::

Articles: Away on business: Get organized

Posted by admin on Wednesday, June 30, 2004 - 03:42 AM

Getting through a business trip can be a hassle for many executives.
Not only is there a mountain of tasks relating to the actual journey, but many people have to manage their normal workload at the same time. Although business travelers have welcomed methods that streamline tasks, boost productivity and save time, implementing them is another matter. Management adviser Kerry Gleeson believes that by not wasting time in meetings and developing a daily routine, people can save two hours out of every workday -- a system that can also work well for business trips. Gleeson, who has been advising businesses for 20 years, believes executives can process up to 80 percent of their work more quickly by eliminating procrastination and disorganization. His mantra is: Do it right, do it now, and routinely, organize, plan and follow up. "The first step is to get a folder for your trip. In there goes whatever papers and documents (you need) for your trip," Gleeson, author of The Personal Efficiency Program, told CNN. His book focuses on how to get more work done in less time -- a key skill for time-poor travelling executives. For a business trip, Gleeson believes executives need to make sure they keep on top of tasks that accumulate while they are away. This can mean taking a little time each day to process voice and e-mail messages. On return, Gleeson suggests scheduling more time to sort through remaining correspondence or paperwork before getting back to a normal day's work. This can involve following up any tasks related to the business trip and filing expense reports. According to Gleeson there are four rules worth following: Do it! -- The first time you touch it, the first time you read it, you need to act on it. Designate it -- If it is something that is time-consuming, schedule it into your calendar or your diary. Delegate it -- If it is something that you can pass on to someone else to do, then delegate it now. Delete it -- Get rid of it if it is not something you are going to act on.

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