If you are like most managers I know, you are constantly being asked to do more work with less resources. And the same is true for your employees
As you'll recall, part one of this article series encouraged managers to get their attitude in check, address their employees' attitude issues and to make an effort to keep the lines of communication with staff as open as possible.

Now that you've addressed all of these issues (you have, haven't you?) it's now time to move onto tips four and five. These tips will further your efforts towards keeping your department running smoothly. And help keep you from losing your mind - and your job!!

Right now you are probably as busy as you have ever been in your current position. So it may be hard for you to find time to stay ahead of all of the details, deadlines, projects and priorities that are on the top of your very long, and ever-growing to do list.

So here I am to offer a couple of more things to add to that list. What a peach, huh? Look, I know that it's probably not the best time for you to be taking on extra things, but these tips WILL benefit you in the long run. Remember, you have an outstanding opportunity to really shine like a star during this time of corporate chaos and stress. So buck up, campers - you'll get it all done.

Tip number four first requires you to schedule an uninterrupted period of quiet time on your calendar. During this time, shut your door, forward your phone to voice mail and take a good long look at your (and your staff's) current responsibilities, pending projects and deadlines. How are things going? Is everything moving according to plan? Are there any projects you should be re-prioritizing or dropping based on changing business needs?

After you take a look, schedule some time to talk to your key players. Make sure you are correct about the timing and progress of the projects they are working on. Then, move forward with your plans for re-prioritization, etc. And who knows, maybe this objective look at things will leave you and your staff with a bit less to do after all!!

Now depending on your workload, this may take more than one sit-down session. And that's okay because it is WORTH it!!! In fact, it's so worth it, it would probably be best to do this once a quarter or so. So why not make things easier on yourself and adopt this practice as part of your ongoing organizational efforts?

The next tip is an easy one - well, relatively speaking. It's an easy concept, how about that? The tip is about meeting deadlines. As you know, deadlines are always an important thing to keep in mind as you go about your daily job. But now is the time when making or breaking deadlines can have an even more serious impact on how you are viewed by upper management. Make, or better yet beat a deadline and you are considered a star! Break a deadline, and you are considered part of the problem. Sounds tough, right? Well, it is tough out there right now. Which is why I want you to be at your best so that you are considered a super-star!!

Okay that's it for today's tips. Now go out there and be a STAR!!!!!

About the Author

Molly Luffy, MBA, owner of Work Ethic Wizard, dedicated to helping managers regain their sanity and employees survive and thrive in today