Applying GTD to new job advising 8 different people

[akr95]

In a couple of weeks I am starting a new job providing a specialist advising service. The position involves me providing specialist advice to 8 different divisions of the firm. I understand that I will be working predominantly with the heads of those divisions but will also from time to time provide assistance to other members of the team. In addition I will be assisting with the training of staff, developing materials and presenting.

Since becoming aware of GTD I have been working for myself (from home) so getting project lists, context lists and setting priorities etc has not been too bad (although I have fallen off the wagon a few times).

So, given my situation will be changing - priorities will be pushed and pulled all over the place (I imagine), workflow will increase (I assume given 8 divisions will be creating work that I will be doing as opposed for only be creating the work previously) - I am unsure as to how my GTD (paper based) system may need to be adjusted to deal with the change in circumstances.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Kim

 

[Rolf F. Katzenberger]

Collect agendas

In a couple of weeks I am starting a new job providing a specialist advising service. The position involves me providing specialist advice to 8 different divisions of the firm. I understand that I will be working predominantly with the heads of those divisions but will also from time to time provide assistance to other members of the team. In addition I will be assisting with the training of staff, developing materials and presenting.

Kim,

to me, under such circumstances the most useful addition to a "standard" GTD system is a set of "agenda" sheets where you collect all topics that must be discussed with a person, next time you meet. So I keep context agendas like @Jim, @John, etc. It's invaluable to have a place where you can jot down all emergency issues immediately, so they won't be forgotten and will be addressed during the next face to face meeting or phone call.

Sounds like a fascinating time ahead,
wish you fun & luck!
Rolf

 

[cornell]

Sounds like you're in good shape with your system. Tips:

• create agendas for everyone you'll be working with, collecting ideas and comments as you think of them. you might want to create a special "agenda" for yourself when you write up your notes for a final report - somewhere to collect ideas and suggested actions
• ask those you're working with to do the same (keep a list for you) - tell them how important it is for you to answer their questions
• keep project notes/ideas in a labeled folder
• carry a legal pad for note-taking and capture. mark actions (for you) and waiting for (for them), and process your notes daily

Good luck!

 

[Barry]

I would change your system as little as possible. If it is working for you now, it is a good system and should accomodate your new responsibilities with minimal change. You will probably need to list each of the 8 divisions as a new project at a minimum (there may be multiple projects per division, of course, but there should be no less than one per division so you at least have a place holder for each division). You will want to create project files for each division as well.

Good Luck.