The Top 5 Secrets of Great Multi-Taskers

1. Single Home System

Every day, the average professional spends far too much time hunting down supplies and information. The result is a sharp and unnecessary cut in productivity. Having a single home for everything in your workplace is the simplest, most effective step you can take toward efficient multi-tasking. From the stapler, to your keys, to your file of important contacts, give every item a single spot and always replace it there after use.

2. Lists, Calendars, Spreadsheets

Mental organization is just as essential as physical organization, and using lists and planners is the easiest way to keep track of your hectic life. Your To Do List ought to be king—start each day by writing out a detailed list of your prime objectives. Update your calendar regularly and keep it in a highly visible space. Track inventory, profits, clients, etc. with electronic spreadsheets so that you never have to waste time guessing over important figures.

3. Take Note

Neglecting to make notes out of pride is rather silly. Real proof of intelligence is a consistent and reliable system. Anyone who has to juggle tasks all day knows that leaving a paper trail means you’ll never be lost, and they take notes at meetings, in training, and even when they are on the go. Carry a notebook with you for strokes of genius that you don’t want to forget and always write down new concepts for reinforcement and reference. Even taking notes while on the phone can be an effective way to retain new information and leaving sticky notes in your workspace as personal reminders will help you stay focused.

4. Group

When planning your schedule, group tasks mentally by location, people involved, level of intensity, and nature of work. This will help you decide which tasks should be done in what order, and how some tasks can even be taken care of simultaneously.

5. Adapt

In a demanding work environment, you must learn the art of adaptation. This means learning to channel stress into positive energy so as not to miss a beat. Teach yourself to mentally re-arrange tasks, substitute priorities, and cut losses. Truthfully, there may never be enough hours in the day, so it’s up to you to decide what is essential, what can wait, and what must be sacrificed. Practice this by numbering each item on your daily task list from 1-3, with 1 being the most important. This will train you to think in terms of priorities.