Have you ever been in a meeting discussing the status of a current project when someone says:

"Let's get a group together next week to discuss that topic."

When I work with companies of all types and sizes, one common feeling I hear is that everyone spends too much time in meetings! I wonder how much time could be saved if we would adopt the practice of: "Do it Now!"

This is not practical in all situations. There are times when we must put things aside in order to accomplish the current priority or get the proper resources involved.

I have a friend, David Dennis, who practices this concept in his organization. I can still remember sitting in a meeting almost ten years ago with three or four other people. One of the other attendees mentioned that they were waiting on an answer from another team member before they could make a decision on one of the topics being discussed. The person suggested that they would schedule a meeting with that individual and get back to us with the results.

David pulled out his cell phone and dialed the person who had the information we were seeking. They answered the phone and within 30 seconds, we had the answer and were able to make some decisions right there in the meeting, saving a delay of several days and eliminating an unnecessary meeting.

I have the privilege of teaching time management workshops and we coach the participants to complete small tasks as they come up, instead of setting them aside or postponing for another day. When possible: Do it now!

This same concept can be applied to a remote employee. One way to avoid clutter in your home office is to file things as soon as you touch them. Resist the temptation to form piles of things on your desk that will require your attention at a later date.

When planning remote meetings, think through the agenda to make sure you include all the parties necessary to make decisions on the spot, instead of having to schedule follow-up sessions.

The fewer times you have to touch a piece of paper, open an email, or convene a meeting to discuss a topic, the more efficient you will become.

By David Reed

Quote:

The way to get things done is not to mind who gets the credit for doing them.
Benjamin Jowett