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Get Organized Mission: Transition

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ongratulations on landing a new position. One of the most challenging aspects of any new

job is deciding how to process and man- age information. Contact lists, project files, new ideas, and people issues need to be categorized and recalled using some scheme that works for you. Consider that a recent survey by a temporary staffing organization found office workers at all levels spend an average of six weeks each year looking for things. Begin by creating a computer docu- ment folder system that mirrors your pa- per-based filing system. Next, take control of your email account by opting for one of four actions with every incoming email: reply, delete, forward, or file.

Try to reply to all emails within 24

hours. Even a canned message such as “Thanks for the note — I’ll get back to you as soon as possible” enhances your reputa- tion with your new coworkers. If you’re in a leadership role, insist on email discipline. Resist the temptation to copy people who have no responsibility for completing the action, and always include a required re- sponse date. It makes prioritization easier. Don’t let unfinished or incomplete

projects zap your focus. When things are finished — even very little things — we feel a sense of closure. Smart people know the more closure they create, the more energy they have for the tasks that matter most. — Capt. Jim Carman, USN (Ret), direc- tor, MOAA Transition Center

Face Time Is Crucial

Do you know how your boss prefers to receive information? Regular and accurate informa- tion flow might be the most important factor in determin- ing your success. Some bosses hate

to hear from the office during their commutes. Others resent repeated requests for one-min- ute get-togethers that last 40 minutes.

While it’s tempting

to turn to technol- ogy, remember that up to 80 percent of interpersonal com- munication is based on nonverbal cues. A relationship that relies too heavily on nonverbal communi- cation might deprive a worker of important feedback. Face-to-face encounters are more revealing than a text or an email.

online: Access MOAA career resources at www.moaa.org/career. IMAGES: ABOVE, DANIEL GUIDERA; RIGHT, SHUTTERSTOCK

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