I was at an agency this past week and we made the decision to get rid of the notepads. I’m not kidding you when I say one lovely lady started rubbing her paper like it was hard to let go. Change is hard but having no time in the insurance business is a bigger battle that we all need to slay. This next efficiency tip is one I work hard at every week. Clean your desk!
When I see agents with piles of paper, folders, files and more I know they are one of two things. Either they are a disorganized hot mess OR they like to display how busy they are for all to see, like a little fortress of protection. If everyone thinks they’re busy then they can hide from more work. Wrong. You’re killing your mojo. It’s hard to feel accomplished when you have piles around you. Plus, it means two important things:
- Not a single soul on the planet could dive into your desk if need be
- I’m significantly worried what E&O nightmares are hiding in there
We should be working to REDUCE paper in agencies not stacking it up. Each and every week you should start with a clean desk, organized and ready to tackle the week’s challenges. Use folders! Dust and organize. You will simply feel more productive by being organized. Shred what’s not needed and add everything into your management system. When it’s in the management system you can ask for help and get help a lot easier.
Also, I believe in having a smaller desk because it forces you to be organized. I love lots of monitors but just enough of a desk to hold them. So go ahead and Spring clean your desk! Your E&O carrier will thank you!
