We're Not Nearly As Organized As We Need To Be

Ever see how a well-organized kitchen operates? It’s truly amazing. Each chef in the "line" knows his or her role, processes the instructions of the main chef, and never deviates from the plan.

These cooks are remarkably consistent with each plate. Their organizational methods are time tested based on their experiences, not simply on how others operate. For example, some chefs organize their ordering list in alphabetical order. The late celebrity chef and author, Anthony Bourdain, writes in his wonderful book Kitchen Confidential that he set up his ordering list by location of his kitchen. Being organized is not universal; it's specific to your mind and workflow.

How organized is our work station? When we start our day, do we have consistent methods to achieve maximum productivity? If we’re truly organized, we should:

1. Write everything down. We must have a system of note-taking and note storing that allows us to record information. We can NEVER simply rely on memory. We should have a notebook with us at all times. Keep the notebook, label the notebook and always transfer notes.

2. We have to have a method of storing information that utilizes a "cloud" service. Either by using OneNote, Evernote, or Notion or some other cloud base platform. We must make sure we transcribe our handwritten notes to the cloud.

3. We must label EVERYTHING. Every file becomes labeled, which gives it meaning and becomes easier for us to find. We must become fanatical about making sure online files are categorized in addition to everything in our office cabinet.

4. We must make sure everything has a place and is always in its place. We make sure our set up is like the line chef the restaurant. “As a cook, your station, and its condition, its state of readiness, is an extension of your nervous system," Bourdain writes in "Kitchen Confidential." And when we’ve finished the work, we must put everything back the way it was before we began.

5. Organized people only buy what they need and use. We don’t have to be minimalist, but we must grow to hate clutter. Our office has to be our sanctuary; therefore, we must make sure we only keep what we use. No space becomes a wasteland for things we don't use. We have to strive to eliminate the excess clutter in our lives.

One way to begin our path to become better leaders, better teachers and better coaches is to become better organized. We must make these 5 steps part of our daily lives. In no time, we’ll be amazed at how much more productive our days become.

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