Get a handle on your time and space

Clutter and lack of focus can eat up productivity. Consider hiring a professional or attending a training program that will help you manage your time and space more effectively.

I recommend: Mind Tools offers self-study programs and personal coaching about time and space management and more.

Create a mission statement

It's important that you understand your organization's goals — and your own.

I recommend: Franklin-Covey offers Mission Statement Builder, an interactive program that will help you create and use a mission statement.

Learn ways to create a culture of productivity

Employees work best when they're inherently motivated, instead of micromanaged. But it can be hard to strike the balance between teamwork and independence and to supervise without stifling. A team-building consultant can help.

I recommend: Strictly Success offers on-site workshops on leadership, teambuilding and motivation.

Cut down on paper

Flipping through files can use up valuable time.

I recommend: Taming the Paper Tiger Filing System allows you to store copies of paper documents on your hard drive and search for them using keywords.

Use software to take care of time-consuming tasks so you can work smarter, not harder.

Why spend valuable time searching for files or cleaning up spyware? Productivity-improving software saves you time by automating routine tasks like these and others.

I recommend: Tethys Solutions offers productivity software for individuals and workgroups.