Which to-dos should you be working on? January 30, 2012
Posted by travisthetrout in To-Dos.2 comments
A frequently asked question.
The paralegal’s to-do list is endless (as is the to-do list of a solicitor or trainee). A frequently asked question is “what should I be working on?”. Not just for me, but for all my colleagues.
Scottish guy took me through a to-do method that he was taught on an “organisation training day” he attended with work last week and it looked something like what is pictured above. I have seen similar methods, involving the use of post its to prioritise but this was the first time I had tried it.
Basically there are 4 categories of to-dos:
- important/urgent
- not important/urgent
- important/not urgent
- not important/not urgent.
Ideally, you should always be working in the important/not urgent category.
How did I get on?
I tried this for the first time today – I kept on top of my inbox (most new emails and jobs went straight into the “important/not urgent” category) and dealt with all my “important/urgent” jobs and got through a lot of the “important/not urgent” ones. I was surprised at how much time I actually spend on not important jobs when I have important ones on my desk.
So far so good. Will review the method again in a week.
Want to give it a go? Here’s what to do:
1. Think of all the things you need to do over a two week period.
2. Write them down on post-its.
3. Stick them in the relevant categories. (This is the important bit.)
4. Start working on them. No more procrastination.
5. Delegate the not important/not urgent jobs.
6. Update and review – move the post-its around.
The countdown can begin… January 26, 2012
Posted by travisthetrout in Life at Large Law Firm, Working Life.2 comments
The days seem to be speeding up, the weeks fly by faster, work is a social hub, a buzz of activity (despite the January blues and flus). I decided to upset the balance.
I told by boss my leaving date this week and put the rumours to rest. Clients naturally got told first, but news travels fast with only a matter of weeks to go and soon everyone knew. condolences and wishes of good luck come flooding in, the work floods in and dries up at the same time – it is a funny one.
Currently we don’t have a replacement (so if you are looking for a paralegal job?) so there is a bit of tension. I’m busy trying to finish up projects, write handover notes and a new version on the bible, while preparing myself for the new job.
A busy, yet exciting time and with my original training contract start date being back in 2010 – a welcome relief.
HS2 and Property January 23, 2012
Posted by travisthetrout in property paralegal.add a comment
The government has recently announced that the HS2 will be going ahead. The HS2 is the new high speed rail line that will link London to Birmingham and will later extend to the North. While there are many potential advantages to the scheme, it has been opposed by those living along the intended route. This will inevitably have an impact on properties along the proposed route. Find out more in the review of property issues published by the department of transport.
As I am responsible for Search flow in my current role I also get to remind everyone that search flow is now offering a new HS2 search as part of their services. The Report provided will provide more accurate information than a local authority search (which currently only reveal whether the property is within a 200metre radius). I have not yet had the opportunity to try this out. Anyone had any experience with this yet??
2012 (getting started) January 23, 2012
Posted by travisthetrout in Personal Life.2 comments
I’ve been relatively absent from blogging and twitter of late. A trend that started when I split with my partner of 5 years. A mutual split, but it had an effect on my daily routine and work life balance. After a period of working, networking and partying (not all at the same time) I started seeing someone new, someone who inspires me and challenges me. Unfortunately with a whirlwind romance on the cards, blogging also took a back seat. So I promised myself with the new year I was going to start making the effort again. Unfortunately the last couple of weeks involved a lot of house-moving, fixing my car and DIY… So today was the first day I felt relaxed enough to write. So here it is… an explanation, an update, a diary before starting on the proper stuff once again. I know I said I’d start up again in September and didn’t but this time there is something different… An iPad2 that is itching to be used.
That’s all the boring personal stuff over and done with. Next step: countdown to the training contract.
