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The term captains’ log brings to mind, depending upon your particular generation, romantic images of a sail billowing, gallant frigate cruising the ocean-seas, or visions of the Star Ship Enterprise, going boldly across the galaxies.

However, I have found it to be an indispensable workhouse tool. I would not wish to do without one.

Why, in this modern technological age, would you want to use so archaic a device as a log book?

Because, it is an unmatched tool upon which you may base command decisions and decisive actions.

Keep in mind this is a tool for use and not a diary. As with any tool it needs proper set up and maintenance. One of the keys to setting up a log that is actually of use is to reserve the first 3 to 5 pages as a table of contents. I prefer to separate my front pages into 3 columns. The first column is narrow and contains only the date. The second column is widest and contains to topic of the entry. The third column is as narrow as the first and contains only the page number on which the entry is found.

Although, there are many varieties, I prefer the larger 144 page, ledger style. I understand the preference of many for the moleskin sizes which can easily fit into a breast pocket. But, I prefer the larger more substantial size, not least of which is because I am less likely to leave it behind as an oversight.

It provides the perfect repository for:
1. Meeting notes
2. Phone records
3. Time logs, record the time dedicated to each project
4. Trouble logs, record difficulties and delays encountered
5. Resource logs, record the use and supply of materials on hand
6. Action log, record when you initiate a project
7. Briefs, The emphasis here is on brief. Provide a one or two sentence narrative for each item you record.

Optimization Tips:

1. Put frequently called numbers inside the front cover
2. Highlight your dates and times in yellow
3. Highlight names in green. I cannot tell you how many times this has given me a needed edge in conducting operations. Being able to call up a name from a 5 minute telephone conversation from 3 months ago can make a considerable impression
4. Never start a new page until the preceding page is completely full. This lends to the continuity of your log and helps you tie the series of events together mentally.

Additional Uses:

1. Car/Auto log, oil, tires, accidents
2. Home log, repairs, maintenance, additions, contractors
3. Child log, shot dates, baptisms, illnesses, broken bones

Uses of Fancy:

1. How about a boss log? You could chart them like the tides.
2. How about a spouse log? Do you dare?
3. Imagine the possibilities!

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007 at 1:45 pm and is filed under Elemental Truths, Reg Adkins, success, tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.