Work Management

By Cyndi Seidler

(reprint of article in "Organized Living" newsletter, May/June 2000 issue)

Does work seem overwhelming at times? If it does, this may be because it’s not being managed properly. Even the heaviest work load should not overwhelm a person, providing that the work demands are controlled in an efficient and systematic way.

Work can be broken down into three elements: 1) make ready, 2) work, 3) put away. We must first prepare for the work that needs to be done, and this falls under the organization and planning step. Once that is done, we can then do the work, which is performing the actions of the work itself. When the work is done (even if not complete, but done for the day, it needs to be put away.

These component parts of work help us view work in its simplicity. It only becomes complicated when extra elements are entered into the work process.

For example, if an individual begins work without planning and organizing, the actual work activity can become a series of putting out fires or doing extra tasks (not accounted for) to get the work done.

Similarly, if the work is not put away, then the next time it is approached to be done, there might be extra time in locating the work.

The most important part of work is organizing it. This could include a work outline or checklist of tasks that need to be done. Planning your day is also part of organization and would include the work activities and tasks that need to be done (this is part of goal-setting for the day).

Without organization, work can seem to go in all directions. Planning helps us focus on the work at hand and gives us a sense of accomplishment when we complete the work activities we planned. Organization also lays out the actions we need to do before we do them and helps put the work into some sort of alignment.

A good work habit would consist of having a routine agenda for the day. This agenda could break down the various work activities into scheduled days or time segments of the day. Compartmentalizing work functions into a schedule also disciplines us to ensure that the activity gets done.

Let’s say that certain marketing activities need to be routinely carried out. Scheduling a certain day or days of the week for certain activities brings order into work. It allows an individual to get an overview of their day’s work plan, at a glance.

Another good work habit is making rules and policy to avoid interruptions. It might be a good idea to request a “do not disturb” period during certain activities. If your day consists of frequent phone calls to handle, it may be beneficial to implement a rule of not taking calls during certain times of the day when you’re carrying out a certain activity.

Managing work is controlling work. When a person is in control of something, it cannot control them. This puts an individual “at the wheel” in the driver’s seat and allows them to follow the direction they’ve mapped out on their work day plan. Without direction, it is difficult to arrive at a destination easily, and can cause many deviations and the problem of getting lost.

Back to top

www.organized-living.com