Office Efficiency tips from a Type A Manager

#1.  Put It Back – When you use an office tool—key, office file, or staple remover—put it back when you are done.  If you could bottle the time that is wasted
by searching for something that is out of place, most offices could save hours every week.

#2.  Handle Paper Once – Incoming mail, phone messages, stuff in your in-box – touch it once and
take action—either throw it out, do it, read it, or file it.

#3.  Keep It Short – Business communications—letters, e-mails, phone calls—keep the communication short and on point—don’t waste your time or others' by responding to a request for
the time with a description of how to build a clock.
 
#4.  File It – Put all loose paper in a file folder—even if it’s temporary—don’t lose key papers in a loose stack and lose more time trying to find them.

#5.  Clean Off Desk At End Of Day – Create a system—hot files, tickler files, or empty top drawer—
to keep your desk and your brain free of clutter to start the new day.

#6.  Plan For Tomorrow At The Close Of Today – End your work day 30 minutes early—use that time to clean your desk, organize your thoughts, and plan for tomorrow.

Red Henderson, Air Traffic Consultant, and retired Manager, Federal Aviation Administration