Work Journals

I keep a notebook with me at all times in the office. Every morning I write the date and start a summary of what's coming up for the day. It's a 'to do' list but a lot more than that. I reocrd meeting notes, notes on all the informal discussions, notes on system failures and production problems. How they were resolved and by whom.

My notebook has pockets - I print out emails, reports and other papers and stuff them into the pockets. I attach sticky notes and staple in anything I don't want to lose. I also use sticky tabs to mark off important information that I know I'll be looking for later - I write on the tab why I'm marking it. During projects, I record what is going on as well as the general mood. I've been doing this since I read this article well over a year ago.

Earlier this week, I ran across the article again - printed out multiple copies and shared it with everyone on my team. Since then it has generated so much interest, with my team sharing it with their friends, that I thought I would share it here.

I think it could apply to any business - not just systems and projects. Truly - I found the ideas radically changed how I document my work life. I'm amazed at how often this information comes in handy later on. And, as the article says, if you do 'post mortems' and assess projects, team performance or look for ways to make yourself more organized at work, this is worth reading.

Comments

[Sallie]

Good Info!...from a smart mind. Thanks. I will use and "file it". :-)

[Margaret]

That is good--I always forget how I've done something from year to year,especially on the computer grade-book. Luckily for me, I have several years worth of lesson plans to look back at so my problem is usually computer related.

[JuicyV]

I keep that same kind of notebook and don't know how I would function without it. I log in all the day's tasks, etc. It's so indispensible. Loved that article, too. Thanks for sharing!