Keep Filing Simple

Posted on October 29, 2008 at 12:14 pm by Steven

When it comes to filing the secret of success is to keep it simple.  To keep a clear focused head it is essential to keep your desk and workstation clear of clutter and papers.  Using a numerical system of filing information might not be up to the job.  Where you decide to file memos one day might not be easily remembered when you come to look at them again.

To ensure you have a slick filing system you need to think practically and don’t over complicate things.

A simple guideline for keep paper to minimum on your desk is to make folders with the following labels:

To Read
For Immediate Action
Hold for one month
To be filed

And the rest can be thorn away!

By adopting this approach you are only filing those documents that really need to be held onto.  It keeps filing manageable and structured and if tackled with regularity it needn’t build up beyond control.  It keeps your mind clear and ensures you can operate efficiently.

A long term filing system should equally be as simple as possible for example using an ABC structure.  That way anyone can access your filing system if you need them too. 

If the filing just keeps piling up and you can’t get to it the make use of the serviced office resource and get one of the administrative staff there to help you out. By keeping your filing system simple they will have no problem understanding it and helping you out.