If You Haven't Got the Time to Do It Right, When Will You Find the Time to Do It (Paperback)

by Jeffrey J. Mayer (Author) "You've probably seen offices that look as if they'd gone through the spin cycle of a washing machine, or as if a dump truck had..." (more)
Key Phrases: expandable file pockets, efficient desk, most productive hours, Master List, Master File, Daily Agenda Sheet (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Time-management consultant Mayer presents a commonsense approach to office/desk management: organize the work space and streamline responsibilities of the business day. He shows how to do this, and gives some 100 time-saving tips he's used. The basic underlying technique is the implementation of his Master List system, which inventories unfinished work and ongoing projects. He discusses how to handle meetings, telephone calls, delegation of work, paperwork, and professional reading. His concise, easy-to-read, easy-to-use, humorously illustrated unclutter-your-desk manual is recommended for business collections.
- Mary Ann Wasick, West Allis P.L., Wis.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
Jeffrey Mayer's unique approach to staying afloat in a sea of paperwork provides quick, practical ways to become organized and efficient. A nationally known expert on time management, Mayer offers more tips guaranteed to save up to an hour a day. Serial rights Glamour and Cosmopolitan. 14 line drawings.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Fireside (January 15, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0671733648
• ISBN-13: 978-0671733643
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #529,717 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for the Unorganized, April 24, 2004

By	"dellatigre" (Woodlands, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: If You Haven't Got the Time to Do It Right, When Will You Find the Time to Do It Over? (Hardcover)

The truth is that many of the quick fix techiniques and tips that are given to the many unorganized people as I used to be don't work well for long. I was on a quest to find out how to become organized my self and be part of the select few who seem to be born that way. By following what this books says I have been able to do it. See, many of the things that are believed to help aren't very effective, such as writing down things to do on an agenda that has times written down--doesn't work because its easy to be interrupted and not finish something on the alotted time etc. etc, but these are the foundations of personal organization. I have observed that these also happen to be the things that real organized people actually do. Now they might seem simple, but these book truly brings all the aspects of personal organization together--the three pillars as i like to call them, which with one missing, the other two fall in despair and chaos once again. Master List, Master filing system, and a clean work area--sound simple, it is, but trust me, read the book. Easy read, and well worth your time if you're disorganized--true testimonial form me, I can't stress it enough. My word.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I first read this book in 1993 and still use it today., August 10, 2001

By	Terry Doolittle "terrydoolittle" (Boston) - See all my reviews

Unfortunately, I later handed it off to a coworker who was struggling with organization. It's definitely a "read it once" type of book. My disorganized boss continuously comments on my organizational skills, so I've decided to pick up a copy for her as well as another coworker and replace my own.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars weLEAD Book Review by the Editor of leadingtoday.org, February 16, 2004

By	Greg L. Thomas (Litchfield, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Occasionally a book comes along that is short, a pleasure to read and truly helpful. If You Haven't Got the Time to Do It Right, When Will You Find the Time To Do It Over is such a book. Mayer has spent much of his career as a time management consultant and he has written a basic primer for those interested in organizing their lives to a greater degree.

Most of us are being required to do more work with fewer people. How to get this increased workload accomplished is a common problem. Mayer asks, "But are we really increasing our productivity, or just the number of hours we work?" He then offers a solution. The key to getting work done is not simply to work harder and longer but smarter! Better organization is a solution. This book is centered on the principle of "save time by wasting less of it!" The author uses his vast experience to offer ideas, techniques, and concepts to save time and use it more effectively.

If You Haven't Got the Time to Do It Right, When Will You Find the Time To Do It Over provides common sense ideas that really work if we are willing to apply them. Being creatures of habit we tend to do things because that is the way they have typically been done. Mayer has boldly stepped out of the habitual routine to find ways to overcome daily obstacles to time and productivity. He attempts to show how time can be saved in "small pieces" rather than in large blocks. He ponders, "Save thirty seconds every five minutes, and by the end of the day, you've saved an hour." The book is divided into two parts. The first part shows you how to organize your workspace including your office, files management and desk. The second part shows you how to streamline your entire business to become more productive and organized.

This is a useful and rewarding book. If it helps you to change only one routine in your life due to its beneficial ideas it will have served a valuable purpose. Easy to read and understand from cover to cover!