The Java Rocker

Organizational skills are something everyone needs, not just application development personnel. I work with an architect who works with many different teams. He goes to many meetings and takes notes. However, the notes may be in his notebook, a hand out, or on the back of some other paper. He is pulled in so many directions, that most of what he knows, and needs to delegate, is in his head. You can get information out of him, but not quickly or easily.
Does this sound like you? What can you do? 

Be Proactive - Write all of the things you are working on and completed in a weekly status document. Review your document at the start of each week.
Preparation – Always have a paper and several writing implements at your disposal. Print off any necessary information before the meeting.
Consolidate – Make sure you have only one place to write your notes. A planner works nicely.
Summarize – At the end of each meeting, summarize you notes and action steps for yourself. If you are leading the meeting, send the notes and all action items to meeting participants.
Organize Time – If you are going to too many meetings, or there are too many distractions, set aside 30 minutes to review your notes and create action items.
Organize Information – Put related project information in a folder, and bring the folder to meetings. When you need to review your project status, all of the items are in one place.
Review – At the beginning and end of each day, review your action items. Any completed action items go on you weekly status document.

It may sound like a lot of effort, but once you start, it only takes 15 minutes of your day. I usually write my action items on a white board. I can easily erase completed items, and I get a feeling of accomplishment. A small effort on your part with free up a tremendous amount of time and productivity.