Every hour of every day at work, we are bombarded with information that comes to us in myriad forms – mail, e-mail, reading material, computer attachments, phone messages, business cards. In order to avoid being buried under piles, we must be able to separate information we need from that which we don’t at lightening speed, without missing a beat.

            A cluttered desktop is one of the most visible and annoying problems that can interfere with being productive in your office.  There’s no room to work, it can be hard to concentrate, and it puts a dent in your confidence.   

            Take quick control of your desktop by dividing it into three visually distinct zones that reflect the flow of papers across your desktop: “IN,” “WORKING,” “OUT.”

            These three zones create a tangible, visual depiction of the path that projects and to-dos will take when they cross your desk.  Make sure you place the IN zone close to the door or on the corner of your desk for easiest access to all concerned. The WORKING zone should be in the middle of your workspace, occupying the largest portion of your desk.  Make sure you have adequate file and supply drawers within arm’s reach of your desk chair to hold materials related to your active projects. The OUT zone should be stationed on the opposite side from the IN zone on your desk, or on a credenza or lateral file behind your desk. OUT items can include things to mail, folders for meetings and items to discuss with staff.