Organizing Your Workspace

Posted by David B. Wright

May 23, 2008

Here’s a very useful article by David Allen, author of the extremely useful book, Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity.

I stumbled across his website about 7 years ago, and spent about an hour reading various tips, many of which I implemented immediately - and more importantly, still use today. He offers a collection of free articles in addition to various books, supplies, and more.

Getting and staying organized can definitely reduce the stress involved in a job search - having everything you need easily accessible and where it should be can save you time when you need to reply quickly or want to accomplish those 2 or 3 extra things each day that can make a huge difference.

“The workspace should function like a cockpit – all the controls easily accessible as required, allowing for maximum focus on the work at hand, quick over-viewing of work to be done, and easy ad hoc processing of all forms of input (from email, paper mail, phone, and live conversation).

BASIC HARDWARE

Here’s a basic toolkit:

In-basket (top basket)
Work-in-progress basket
Standing wire racks for file folders (work-in-progress support)
Out-basket
Computer
Printer (have one right at hand – it’ll save you hours!)
Clock
Phone/answering machine
Capture/communication tools – writing pad, stapler, tape; desk tray and holders for pens, post-its, paper clips, scissors, stamps
Labeller (for files)
New file folders (lots, at hand!)
Filing cabinets (within reach)
Telephone/address database
Calendar
Personal supplies (best in at-hand drawers): pharmaceuticals, refills for writing instruments, batteries, business cards, stationery, envelopes, headphones, blank CDs, small tools, and the like.”