Technology Time: How Well Do You Manage It?（在线收听）

Technology Time: How Well Do You Manage It?

By Richard Ensman

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You might have read books about time management, attended seminars on this important subject, and studied the key principles of managing time. But in the last decade, something new has entered the world of time management—computer technology. Used wisely, it can help you save time; used poorly, it can cause you to squander time.

How well do you manage your “technology time”? Complete this simple quiz to find out. Rate your answers to each of the following questions on a four-point scale: If your answer is “always,” you rate a “3.” If your answer is “usually,” your rating is “2.” Answer “occasionally,” and you get a “1.” Answer “never” or “rarely,” and you get “0.”

1. Do you review new technological developments that help save time and increase efficiency?

2. Do you maintain a calendar of upcoming appointments and activities on your computer?

3. Do you share important documents and files with coworkers through a network or common drive?

4. Do you use a logical pattern to organize your directories and files?

5. Do you follow a standard search strategy whenever you conduct research on the Web?

6. Do you use technological shortcuts, such as templates, macros and defaults to expedite computer tasks?

7. Do you minimize unwanted e-mail through filters or quick-delete procedures?

8. Do you organize your computer directories and files by the same method as your paper files?

9. Do you utilize portable computer technology through laptops, external drives or PDAs?

10. Do you bookmark important reference material on the Web, or place reference resources on your primary drive?