Shuffling Paper
Automation was supposed to reduce the amount of paper we use and accumulate. Yet many of us are drowning in piles of paper that need to be read, processed, filed, archived and/or destroyed. As quickly as we dispose of the ever-rising mound of trees on our desks, in our cabinets and in our bags, along comes more paper. Paper abounds everywhere – brochures, invoices, reports, and business cards. Time past, when I had to type a report, I took great care and it was done ONCE. It has become so easy to generate paper that we do so mindlessly – the “print” button is a simple click, and our printers work silently and quickly before we can change our minds and press “cancel print”.
The storage box and organization industries are booming. But our lives are more cluttered and disorganised. This mass of paper in our lives not only creates physical clutter, it also affects our efficiency. Think of all the actions you take to handle one single piece of paper, how much time each one takes and multiply that be the number of pieces of paper that you handle each day – you will probably find that you are spending HOURS each week just moving paper.
In the last two weeks I have set an intention to be paperless by the end of the year. I have become very present to how much paper I generate and the time I spend shuffling it. And already I have started to change my behaviour:
- I no longer accept receipts unless absolutely necessary. I can check my accounts online if I need a record
- I do not pick up or accept brochures and promotional materials. I make a note on my phone or take a photo and check out the offer online later
- I read my reports and correspondence online – previously I would print them, telling myself “I can’t read things on my computer”. No more. I am forcing myself to do so
- I make notes during my coaching calls and other meetings online rather than on paper
As a result of this resolve and my new habits, I hardly use my printer now. I estimate that I am only using it about 10% as often as I used to. So in addition to saving time, I will also save on printing costs.
We need to be aware of the impact that technology has on our lives. What is posited to be labour and time-saving can so easily end up making us less efficient and more stressed.
THE BALANCED SCORECARD
The Strategy Map is a most valuable tool in communicating our strategy, proving the maxim that “A picture says a thousand words”. On one sheet it shows what’s important to the strategy, what you are measuring and the cause and effect relationships between the drivers (Learning and Growth and Internal Process objectives) and the results (Customer and Financial objectives).
The Strategy Map can be used to explain the entire strategy to employees and show them their place in it. It clearly shows customers what the company is promising to deliver (the Customer Value Proposition) and how it will be done. And it assures shareholders that the entire organization understands what’s important to them and how they should deliver it. A leader, armed with only the Strategy Map, can discuss the strategy at length with team members and other stakeholders.
I often hear my clients exclaim when the Strategy Map is complete: “I see the strategy now”. What is especially gratifying is not just the words, but how they are said – with confidence, clarity and commitment. Then I know that my client is on their way to success in executing their strategy.
Make sure to do your Strategy Map early in your Balanced Scorecard journey. It’s pictures, not numbers, which excite most of us. And make the Strategy Map your own – add your logo, colourful bubbles, exciting background (and even smiley faces)! Have fun with your Strategy Map – consider it a work of art! And share it widely – every employee should have one (electronically of course – no paper). Use it at every meeting and in your company reports. Post if on your website. Bring your strategy to life and create excitement with your Strategy Map.
TAKE ONE ACTION
Take a stock of how much paper you generate in a day. Then decide on one way that you can reduce the amount of paper you gather and DO IT the next day. Notice the difference.
INTERESTING LINKS
Are you sleep-deprived?
Welcome to the club – many of us are, and it’s not good for our overall health, our productivity or our happiness. This article suggests ways to change our culture around sleep – a dysfunctional culture that accepts and even glorifies sleep deprivation.
– click to view article
As a blogger and an author, and someone who journals every day, I certainly agree with the benefits of a daily writing practice.
– click to view article
