8 tips to help you get organized at work

Long-term planning and daily execution are the keys to success. A good organization allows you to take control of your time, allowing you to plan and perform the tasks required to meet your objectives. Here are eight organizational techniques to help you achieve your long-term professional goals.

1. Focus on what’s important

Remind yourself of your long-term objectives and make any necessary revisions. To achieve your objectives, set daily priorities. Keep family photos or encouraging images to close by.

2. Make lists

Make to-do lists for key chores on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. At the start of each day, go over your daily priorities.

3. Manage your time well

To complete jobs that require more attention, schedule quiet time at work. When your energy is at its peak, do your most strenuous task; store less demanding stuff for later. If you're prone to procrastination, concentrate on the sense of accomplishment you'll have once the task is completed. Make the most of your commuting time by planning your day's activities.

4. Use calendars and planners

Review your work calendar on a daily basis to keep track of your activities and avoid conflicts. Rather than relying on your recollection, write down any obligations in pencil. To aid in the planning and scheduling of long-term projects, use planning and scheduling forms and software.

5. Delegate tasks

When a task is beyond your level of skill, delegate it to others. Provide proper training and feedback on projects that have been allocated to you.

6. Manage your mail and phone calls

Sort incoming mail into priority or action categories. To screen phone calls, use voice mail.

7. Reduce clutter

Make sure your workstation is clear. On the top of your desk, keep only the most important items and information you require on a regular basis. Keep a copy of any resource materials you don't use very often in your archive. Discard duplicate information and resources that will become obsolete in the near future. On bookshelves, leave blank room for future growth.

8. Stay organized

Sort files by importance and keep the most important ones close to hand. Spend 15 minutes tidying your desk at the end of each day, and 15 minutes arranging your day's activities the next morning. Examine the first through seventh things on this list.