Good intentions and habits are part of good management of business documents. Keeping in line with our timelines, working efficiently, reaching our goals, and problem solving are part of an effective plan.
For some, roadblocks may cause a postponement of the inevitable, actions required to stay on top of the situation. Procrastination is one area, which contributes to prolonging these roadblocks. Being sidetracked is another cause for concern. What does procrastination have in common with being sidetracked? Actually, they go hand in hand. If the task is not one you are content in doing, you will quickly be distracted with the other more interesting tasks.
If there is a task I dislike, or despise, it may get deferred or set aside for awhile. Eventually, I do get around to it. I have established a new rule to resolve this problem. I start with the boring tasks and get them done, in other words, get them over with. Don't we all have work that we just don’t want to deal with and wish we could have someone else to do the work for us? Is this only wishful thinking? Either way, these tasks need to be handled and done well, no matter.
What choices do we have? In fact, we have many.
Solutions to this problem can be about how we approach these tasks or handle them. I can set time limits to getting them done, book them into my calendar, and ensure that I follow through, without fail. Practice this often enough and you will not think about it as a drab chore, it will become a part of your work habits and part of the solution.
Unfortunately, that does not always work for everyone.
Another alternative can be to delegate these duties to an employee, or hire part time help. Both are acceptable solutions. Others may find the work interesting or they may be willing to help you out. Exchange tasks in the office, work this out and make it a "Win Win" situation. Find out how you can share your duties in the same department, and assist each other in areas which may be challenging or simply not of great interest to you. If you are the manager, inspire your team to take on their work with gusto, no matter the task, and offer a reward such as employee of the month or offer a gift card every once in awhile. If we consider that all facets of our jobs are important, our efforts will become valuable assets to the company.
Do we not tend to gravitate to what we like to do?
If you are disciplined, that does not mean you will not have a problem with procrastination. If over the years, you have allowed this habit to persist, it is time to make a change. Be in charge and don’t let it continue to interfere with the management of your business activities, no matter how small or less important these tasks are to you. Take charge of your goals from the bottom up.
Francine Renaud
Records Management Consultant
http://www.timeouttoorganize.com/
Tel: 250-763-3988
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