6. DELEGATE!

Decide who is going to do the project and communicate your decision and the project deadline date to that person both orally and in writing to ensure no miscommunication or faulty memory. Beyond which, the written word provides visual reinforcement. If you are still overseeing the project, make sure the evaluation at the project's conclusion is submitted in writing to the person responsible. Remember to commend the person's efforts when warranted. If results are less than desirable, point out how they might be more effective in the future.

7. CLEAR YOUR DESK!

Desk Stress is made up of silent interruptions that infiltrate the workplace disguised as files that distract from the task at hand, numerous phone messages and reminders strewn on the desk written on tiny scraps of paper, etc. This is called "paper talk" as the files say "read me" and the phone messages scream "call me." The result is a trail of unfinished or unstarted tasks, unanswered letters, unwritten reports, unreturned phone calls, and unread memos and publications -- all of which literally haunt your mind. It's important that you work from a desk cleared of everything unrelated to the project at hand. Everything else should be in files, drawers or closets.

8. GET IT TOGETHER!

Basic to optimum organization is a system where all necessary information is accessible to you: calendar, telephone numbers, projects, goals, appointments, "to-do" list, notes, etc. Most companies and computer systems have management software such as Microsoft Outlook or Act! that will help you eliminate memo sheets, matchbook covers or napkins with notes and numbers. Such a system is essential to planning and tracking relevant activities. With everything in one place, you are reminded to call someone and are provided with the telephone number; while on the phone you can refer to pertinent notes, set an appointment without fear of a schedule conflict, and jot down results and/or future plans. You can reference a "to do" list and check off each item as it is done.

9. DIVIDE AND CONQUER!

When overwhelmed by the enormity of a project, break it down into smaller tasks and get a different (more reasonable) perspective. Deal with only one task at a time.

10. ELIMINATE INTERRUPTIONS!

Added to silent interruptions are the everyday noisy interruptions which occur once every eight minutes in the form of colleague interruptions, telephone calls, meetings, etc. The result is the daily loss of at least one hour of effectiveness. If your desk faces a hallway where you can see co-workers walking by, the chance of one of them stopping in for a chat or consult is strong. Turn your desk away from the door and this will eliminate stop-by distracters. Screen your phone calls so you can decide who you need to talk to and who can go into voice mail for a call-back at a more convenient time. Cut down on meetings or at least keep them to a tight, specific agenda and timeline so they don't run over.

Betty Hoeffner has been authoring articles for various media outlets for the past 30 years. She is currently president of Hey U.G.L.Y., Inc. NFP, a 501C3 nonprofit organization dedicated to helping teens with self esteem issues. U.G.L.Y. is an acronym meaning Unique Gifted Lovable You. As the organization says, U.G.L.Y. is the new beautiful.