How to Get Things Done

The age old problem...

Why don't things get done?

There are obviously many reasons why things don't get done. But what about when things that you thought would run smoothly don't? Quite simply this is often because the systems being used are no longer appropriate for the task, and therefore the systems are not used and the task is not completed. There are a number of common reasons why people do not use their systems, and therefore think they are useless.

If you think your systems are useless, ask:

• Are they needed? Systems are sometimes developed for the sake of it, rather than because they are needed.
• Do they serve a specific purpose? There must be a clear purpose for a system to be developed in the first place.
• Are they well designed? Sometimes systems just seem to grow – one person develops a way of doing something (a system) then other people have to use it. This might make it too difficult to use easily.
• Is it easy to use? If a system is straightforward and easy to use, people will use it!
• Who designed it? People are more likely to use a system if they have helped design it.
• Is it still relevant? Review your systems regularly. Things change all the time, and systems should be changed to reflect this – keep them relevant.
• Is it do-able? Make sure all equipment, tools and time are available so that people can use they systems you want them to.
• Is it obvious? It might seem obvious to you, but others might not see it that way. You might need to train others to use the system efficiently.

Non-compliance is sometimes not about people not doing the "right" thing. It might be that it is not the right thing to do.

Whenever you or other people complain that the systems are hopeless - think about the questions listed above.

Remember, systems are there to serve you, not the other way around.

Take control of your systems!