SuperCompetent: The Six Keys to Perform at Your Productive Best

Chapter 16. I Know I Have a System Around Here Somewhere . . .

SUPERCOMPETENT Hero Thinking:	I've created the perfect time-management system for my personality, job environment, and work situation.
SIMPLY COMPETENT Zero Thinking:	I don't have any time to develop systems! I'm overwhelmedasitis!

Organizing your life is complicated by the fact that different people use different systems and have different personalities. We all face diverse work situations and environments, each of which is conducive to a variety of organizational approaches. There's no one-size-fits-all or one correct method of organizing. Some of it depends upon your preferences, and some depends upon your job. Some of it depends upon whether you travel or on the availability of technology. So whether you use paper-based or electronic systems—or some hybrid of the two—your ability to coordinate everything will depend upon several factors.

An Organizational Systems Assessment

Not sure where you lie on the paper/electronic continuum? Start by taking this assessment to determine where your preferences lie.

Answer Yes or No: Circle the corresponding letter	Yes	No letter
1. Do you work primarily at a fixed-office desk?	A	B
2. Are you constantly on the go?	B	A
3. Do you print your e-mail?	A	B
4. Do you enjoy using calendaring software on your computer?	B	A
5. Do you take a lot of notes in meetings and on the phone?	A	B
6. Do you need a relatively inexpensive time- management system?	A	B
7. Do you need the ability to immediately glance at your ...