Creating Office System’s into 2010 Issue III

 ”Carpe diem! Rejoice while you are alive; enjoy the day; live life to the fullest; make the most of what you have. It is later than you think.”    Horace   
   
I hope your holiday was a time to reflect on what you’re thankful for. 
I’m thankful for my health, spending time with my son and family, and for the opportunity to share my knowledge of increasing YOUR office productivity.
Organizing does not come naturally to everyone, but it’s a remarkably simple skill that anyone can learn.  You will start saving time and money and feeling a lot less stress.
Our Productivity Process is a proprietary system and has a ROI of more than 300%, pays for itself in as little as 118 days for the typical company — and is guaranteed to improve productivity by 10-25%!

The following is Step 3 of creating an Office System. (If you would like to recap on Step1 & 2, please go to Archived Productivity Tips)
Creating an office system is a process and an art form.

Step 3.  The Art of Wastebasketry
Why is it so difficult to use the wastebasket?
Habit.  People get in the habit of just looking through their mail to see what is there, without throwing out all unwanted mail immediately.
Lack of Focus.  If I’m not sure what information is important, it’s tough to figure out what to toss.
Fear. The what-if game can go on endlessly:  What if someone asks me about this, and I don’t have it? What if I don’t know everything that is in this publication? What if next week I decide I want it?
You can overcome those impediments by using logic-based disposal. Determine whether you want to keep each piece of paper, electronic document, email, voice mail, by asking yourself these questions:
1.  Does this require action?
2.  Can I identify a specific use?
3.  Is it difficult to obtain again?
4.  Is it recent enough to be useful?
5.  Are there tax or legal implications?
6.  What is the worst possible thing that can happen without it?
Step 4.  Next issue:  The Magic 6;  Tools every organized office needs.