Continuation for Organise Yourself
Objectives
When you take over a new position, try to define exactly what you want to achieve with it. What are your objectives for yourself and your section? Surprisingly few managers can state clear overall aims. Remember that your job is to lead - not simply to keep things ticking over. You cannot lead if you do not know where you are going.
For objectives to be worth while, they must be specific, measurable and attainable.
Specific. Don't be content with open-ended aims such as "To do better than my predecessor". How much better? Formulate your goals precisely, and don't be afraid to be ambitious. Perhaps you have been given charge of a whole department at work. An ambitious goal might be "To double turnover in the next 2 years." Once you have worked out your goals as explicitly as this, you can start considering your strategy for achieving them.
Measurable. Break the long-term objectives or strategy into smaller, measurable units. In order to increase your department's turnover, say you need to secure new contracts. Draw up a list of specific companies, or types of company, you need to approach. Set yourself a timetable.
By the time each deadline arrives, you will be able to measure your progress so far. You may have fallen behind - but at least you know where you are.
Attainable. Be ambitious in your objectives, yes - but don't be unrealistic. Is it really feasible to double your department's turnover in 2 years? Be honest with yourself. Would not 3 years be a more realistic target date? Striving for the impossible will produce dangerous level of frustration for yourself - and those working under you.
When you have worked out your objectives, ask yourself these 2 questions to double-check them: so that? so what? You want to double turnover.. so that? So that the company increases its profits. So what? Is this worth working towards? In this case, almost certainly yes.