Throw away old papers. From mail to fax to advertisements and memos, paper is largest contributor to clutter in an office environment. Many people accumulate paper clutter due to a fear of throwing away something important. However, 80 percent of paper you save "just in case" is never needed again. And if it is, chances are you can recreate or get it from another source. Remember, your trashcan and your shredder are your friends.

Make faster decisions. Clutter happens when you put off making decisions. Try to get into habit of quickly deciding whether you should keep paper, mail and other items. The faster you can make confident decisions, faster you'll keep things moving through your life, which prevents backlog.

Here are some other simple tips for organizing your work environment:

* Have a master to-do list for each day at your desk. * Pre-Sort your mail: “To-File,” “To-Read,” “To-Contact” (write or call). * Use a variety of containers to organize office supplies, paper clips and pens. * Use a variety of desktop organizers or trays to organize papers that come across your desk. * Color-coding your files makes it faster to find information. * Sub-divide larger files with interior file folders. * Return calls in batches, leaving specific messages and time you called if person you’re trying to reach isn’t available. * Empty workspace of everything but project you’re working on to cut down on distractions. * At end of each project or event, organize paperwork and file or store it. * Straighten desk at end of day and especially at end of week so that you can start each morning with a clear desk.

Hate those e-mails where someone cc'd "the world", including your boss and your boss's boss, and everyone else's boss? Not a trust building behavior, I'd say. What can you do about it? Don't send e-mails like that and don't push "reply all" button. Address your remarks to those that need to be included.

Ever get irritated when people blow off meetings, miss deadlines, and take weeks to reply? Not behaviors that build confidence and trust. So, be aware of behaviors that irritate you, and don't do them. Model behaviors you want from others.

If we want to work in a trusting environment, pay attention to yourself ... to your thinking, your intentions, your actions, your commitments, and your promises. Trust is not blind or unconditional, and it's not without risk. But is it a powerful choice you can make if you want to be winning at working.

(c) 2004 Nan S. Russell. All rights reserved.

Sign up to receive Nan’s free eColumn, Winning at Working, at http://www.winningatworking.com. Nan Russell has spent over twenty years in management, most recently with QVC as a Vice President. Currently working on her first book, Nan is a writer, columnist, small business owner, and instructor