While I don't presume to be able to solve all your organizational problems in a few paragraphs, there are some simple procedures that if not already implemented, would add immeasurably to getting and staying organized.

#1. Handle every piece of paper that comes into your life only once. Whether it's mail, a hard-copy memo, or any other documents, read it or put in the bin of things to be read. Once you've read it take the necessary action and either file it in a place for safe keeping or place it carefully in file 13 known also as the recycle bin.

#2. Set up an efficient filing system so you can find that piece of paper when and if you should ever need to look at or use it again.

#3. Rid your life of the bane of business existence…the Post-it note. Use instead, a day planner. I recommend the Franklin-Covey system. The system is almost like having a personal assistant with you at all times. The real beauty of the system is that it keeps everything at your fingertips. The logged entries (if you make them accurately and in detail) have been known to stand up in court as evidence.

#4. You must have a place for everything and keep everything in its place. If you know where to find a particular type of paper or envelope, catalog, marking pen, paperclips etc. it just makes life so much easier.

#5. Return calls promptly and record having done so, and the outcome, in your day planner.

#6. Don't put off the difficult things. If at all possible do those first or they may never get done. What's that old saying…"Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today."

#7. Use mind mapping software to keep you on top of multiple projects. To attempt to hold the details of each project, client, customer or whatever in your head just doesn't make sense.

#8. While this item may seem an odd item to include in a list of ways to get and stay organized, a Mastermind Group can be a huge benefit in both your personal and business lives. Many such organizations use the Six Thinking Hats method of masterminding which keeps the masterminding sessions well organized. Some people, including myself actually carry The Six Thinking Hats method into their personal organizational principles.

#9. Sometimes we believe we know our strengths and weaknesses and tell ourselves that we are capable of compensating for the weaknesses and emphasizing the strengths. Often, however, we go so far as to hire someone we believe is necessary to our organization because that person "appears" to have strengths we don't have. I've seen some very well-to-do heads of industry fall into this trap. While there may be some who prefer to remain in the dark on such issues, it's a fool's folly to do so.

Doesn't it just make good sense that everyone in an organization spends their time doing the things for which they have a natural aptitude and actually enjoy doing? Sure it does. The question is - how can we know for sure where our strengths lie?

There are tests available to help make this determination. Some are long and involved and I have for years questioned the results of most of them. The one I like and won't hire anyone without it is an inexpensive and relatively short test offered by Kolbe.com. The first time I took the test I expected that it would come close but would not be able to identify my strengths accurately. It did.

Another reason for which I like the test is that the emphasis is on strengths, not weaknesses. I believe each person who takes the test comes away from it feeling empowered.