How to tackle your priorities

1. Viewpoint

"I love making lists but not because I need to remind myself how busy I am. I simply get a keen satisfaction and tactile thrill out of scratching out tasks that are done.

To me the true sign of an organised executive is not how many projects he or she can enumerate on a ‘to-do’ list at the start - as if that’s a legitimate symbol of their importance - but rather how many are crossed off at the close.

My ideal ‘to-do’ list is unreadable at day’s end."

2. Viewpoint

"If you must count paper clips, count them quickly - then get on with the important things. As well, set aside a regular, but limited time to handle ‘quick business’ such as reports, invoices, and letters, rather than sprinkling such distractions throughout the day. Get them out of the way in one sitting, so you can get on with important things."

3. Quotable quote

"Do the important things first. Give the greatest and most immediate attention to the most important jobs. If you've got to take the heat because something isn't done, at least make sure it's minor. You want to be known as someone who always comes through on the big ones. That's where you make your reputation - not by accomplishing lots of little things that don't matter much." …