(1) Learn to work creatively anywhere. Keep a pencil and pad, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a hand held recorder handy so that you don't lose those good ideas that sometimes come while fishing, watching a ball game or just watching TV.

(2) Try to handle a piece of paper only once. Throw it away, act on it, or forward it to someone for action but try not to file it for future action.

(3) In your writing, be precise and brief. Ambiguity in communication is a tremendous time-waster.

(4) Consider taking an effective or speed reading course. In addition, be selective about what you read and how much of it. If possible, have a subordinate cull the material and provide summaries or recommend subjects.

(5) If possible, have a subordinate screen your incoming mail (including e-mail) and let him/her handle routine requests without your assistance. Have him/her stack the remaining mail on your desk in two or three piles in order of importance. If you only get through the first stack that day, you will have done what had to be done.

(6) Routine reports regarding planned performance should not really be necessary for superiors; only exceptional deviations need explanation. Advanced reporting techniques on an intranet or local area network however take very little time if properly set up and can provide tremendous departmental, inter-departmental and inter-plant cooperation and problem solving.

(7) For internal communication, use E-mail instead of written memos whenever possible. If an E-mail memo is not possible, rediscover pen and paper, especially if a record of the memo is not required.

Again we remind you that these are only suggestions and that Stewart-Hay Associates is in no way responsible for any direct or indirect action or actions taken for or against any individual as a result of the enactment of one, many, or all of these suggestions. This is because each company has its own culture and its own methodology for doing things. If you are going to enact any or all of these suggestions, we strongly recommend that you first discuss your concepts and/or plans with your supervisor and clearly obtain his/her concurrence before starting.

Trenching to Replace a Failed (Water Logged)
750 CATV Trunk Cable.