06 - The Big O! Organization
50 Years, 50 Lessons
Lesson 6: The Big O! Organization
I lose my mind when I can’t find stuff. It’s just so inefficient. And it is compounded by the fact that I have lived most of my life in a rush. I am frequently moving at a pace that requires things to just be where I expect and need them to be.
At home, this is filing systems, drawers, folders, labels, hook, and cabinets.
At work, this is software and ways to sort paperless items with intuitive naming conventions and logical thought processes (logical to me anyway).
The trick to being organized is to fully understand who needs to use and access those things you are trying to keep findable and usable. Organization is often more about systems and ways of thinking than it is about landing spots.
Organizing and setting up a home or business for success is usually a multi-stage process.
First is intuition. It’s putting things where they make sense based on what you know at the time.
Second is trial. Giving things a go, trying your new approach without being fully married to the outcome.
Third is tweaking. Knowing what you know now after trying something on, does it fit? Does everyone who is impacted by the system or new way of doing something find it effective?
Last, delegate. Keeping things organized and together doesn’t always have to fall on the person who sets up the systems in the first place. Move the monitoring and management of systems to others when you can.
Some pointers:
Have a label maker. They are just awesome.
Use stick-on hooks, drawer dividers, or baskets. Having things on or in something shows that it is supposed to be there, especially if a label goes with it.
At work, have people initial the folders they use or create. Then you know who to go to if the folder looks like a junk drawer. People are more likely to keep things organized if their name is on it. For example: Policies (JE). The folder “Policies” belongs to “JE.”
Colour folders work great if you are old-school filing.
Look for the places people naturally want to put things to know what might be the best organizational hack. Is mail being left on the front desk or the kitchen island? Put a mail folder or slot nearby.
Model the behaviour you want. If you are good at organizing, then set up the systems, use the systems, refer to the systems, show people the systems, and then let them offer suggestions or improvements.
Not everything needs an app. Seriously.
How about you? Any organizational misses or hacks?
To All: Thank you for being on this journey with me – past, present, and future.
Julie
