<p><strong>Dear Joan:</strong></p>
<p>Since we are a small office, our administrative staff all wear many hats and are assigned daily, weekly and longer-term projects. When we were small enough, I would track these tasks on a status report - but I am not happy with how it works now. And, rather than me spending many hours filling them out - I am moving to having the staff fill them out and return them to me either bi-weekly or weekly.</p>
<p>Do you have any "easy" forms or templates for status reports available?</p>
<p><strong>Answer:</strong></p>
<p>Why not ask each of them to recommend some ideas? You can tell them what information you need and what you use it for, to help them shape their recommendations. </p>
<p>Some easy reporting systems I have seen:</p>
<p>A weekly "journal" describing actions they have taken and outstanding questions they need answers/approvals on before proceeding.</p>
<ul type="square">
<li>A score board divided into four sections, with headings such as: Accomplishments last week; Goals for next week; Anticipated barriers/problems next week; Help I need from my supervisor. </li>
<li>Establish metrics (measures) you know are key indicators for the business and ask for reports on progress made. </li>
<li>Have one-on-one meetings with your staff and ask them to update you on the tasks that you have assigned, as well as on short and long-term projects.<strong> </strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Joan Lloyd</strong> is an executive coach, management consultant, facilitator and professional trainer/speaker. Email your question to Joan at <a href="info@joanlloyd.com">info@joanlloyd.com</a>. Joan Lloyd & Associates, (800) 348-1944, Visit <a href="http://www.joanlloyd.com/">www.JoanLloyd.com</a> © Joan Lloyd & Associates, Inc.</p>
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