Organize to Remember

Overview/Description
 Did you go to today's meeting totally unprepared because you couldn't find the preassigned reading material? Did the conference call with a prospective client fall flat because you forgot to send the requested information? This course presents a number of different organizational systems that can be used to ease memory overload. Use retrieval systems to locate your reference and reading materials so you don't have to remember where you put them. Use reminder systems to remember names, commitments, and deadlines that you can't afford to forget. Systematically log your phone calls, conversations, and delegated tasks so you don't have to commit the details of these events to memory. Don't forget to use your computer to assist you in these tasks. E-mail can be an especially handy tool. The ideas presented in this course can be used in a number of different environments. Some are so easy to implement you will want to use them immediately.

Target Audience
 Employees at all levels, team members, staff members, team leaders, supervisors, managers, and sales professionals

Expected Duration
2.0 hours

Lesson Objectives:

Retrieval Systems

  • recognize the advantages of having a good retrieval system.
  • identify an additional step to make a retrieval system more functional.
  • select the methods that can be used to simplify filing systems.
  • select the methods that can be used to simplify electronic filing systems.

    • Reminder Systems

  • recognize the importance of having a good reminder system.
  • assign items to the appropriate folder within a tickler system.
  • select the reminder systems that are appropriate in different work situations.
  • select the appropriate electronic reminder systems for specific situations.

    • Record-keeping Systems

  • recognize the advantages of keeping records and work histories.
  • select the actions pertaining to the effective use of a telephone log.
  • select which delegation form would be appropriate in a number of different situations.
  • select a paperwork tracking system for different work situations.

    • Systematic Use of E-mail

  • recognize the benefits of setting up a system to keep your e-mail under control.
  • select the steps that can be used to manage incoming e-mail.
  • identify the results of taking specific actions to manage e-mail.
  • identify the inappropriate uses of e-mail.

    • Course Number: PD0123