The Personal Efficiency Program: How to Get Organized to Do More Work in Less Time

by Kerry Gleeson

How to be more organized and productive at work and have more fun doing it
In the decade since the publication of first edition of this international bestseller, Kerry Gleeson's famed Personal Efficiency Program (PEP) has revolutionized the work lives of more than a half-million people worldwide. With increasing pressure to produce with far less support than at any time in the recent past, the techniques herein are more timely than ever. The program helps readers conquer the daily stream of interruptions and paperwork to manage tasks and time effectively. This Third Edition features expanded coverage of how to get more done in teams, including tips on managing multiple schedules and running more efficient meetings. It also incorporates ways to effectively use technology, helping readers make the most of the Internet, PDA's, and email to get the job done more quickly and with less effort.
Kerry Gleeson (Boca Raton, FL) is founder and CEO of the Institute for Business Technology International. IBT's client list includes GM, Texaco, Westinghouse, and Hewlett-Packard. Gleeson has been featured in the Financial Times, the Washington Post, and Success.

Genres: Productivity, Personal Development, Business, Management, Nonfiction, Self Help, Textbooks

288 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 1994

Reviews

[Anton Straney-Kraft · Rating 3 out of 5]

I borrowed this book from my boss after recognising that I wasn’t managing my time at work as well as I could. It’s not exactly a page turner (I don’t think anyone is expecting that either for that matter).

I started reading it and realised pretty quickly that the information was rather dated (it turned out my boss had bought this book over 10 years ago...). I decided to continue reading it as I figured that it’s more about the concepts than the details.

While I could skip a fair bit (Blackberry and MS Lotus tips and tricks aren’t very useful in 2020), there was parts that I considered more useful. For example, my email is much better organised and my attitude towards dealing with any tasks has greatly improved.

If you feel like you’re not maximising your time at work, I would absolutely recommend this book - just make sure you get the latest edition.

[M · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was way too much implementation of tools, reminders, record books, and folders to be "efficient". Perhaps these techniques will make you "effective", but you will not be "efficient" at all. Surely there is an easier way with today's technologies to avoid so may redundant reminder and file systems.

[Ahmed M Mohamed · Rating 3 out of 5]

برنامج الكفاءة الشخصية
كتاب تنمية ذاتية عملية جيد إلى حد ما.
أعجبني في مطلع الكتاب، كيف أن الكاتب أشار بشكل ذكي إلى تبعات التأجيل، مما يحفزك بشكل كبير نحو اقتناص عادة "افعله الآن" وهى العادة التي يحاول الكاتب ترجمتها لك في الحياة الواقعية العملية.
حديث الكاتب في الفصول المتقدمة متخصص جدا، مما يجعلك تتململ من قراءة الكتاب، إذا لم تكن في خضام تلك البيئة المتخصصة. فهو يتحدث عن تطبيق العادة "افعله الآن" في حيز الشركات والأعمال المكتبية.
لا أنكر انه يمكن ترجمة كثير من الأفكار إلى تطبيقات شخصية، لكن أظن أنه إلى حد كبير يمكن أن يكتفي القراء من أمثالي الذي لم يختلطوا بعد بتلك البيئات المكتبية، على قراءة الفصول االأولى للكتاب.
ولكن أرى بشدة أنه قبل قراءة هذا الكتاب يمكن أن تثري معرفتك بادئ الأمر بالعادات من خلال كتاب "العادات الذرية"، وذلك لأن في هذا الكتاب مجرد عرض لأهمية العادة. عدى الأجزاء المتخصصة بالأعمال المكتبية، لأصحاب تلك المشكلة الحقيقيون.
أراه كتاب من الجميل قراءت فصليه الأوليين. أما الباقي لأصحاب المشكلة الحقيقيين.

[Roy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A set of suggestions for an effective working pattern, that varies from a focus on strategic planning to addressing how to handle email. Perhaps because of that breadth, I found some of it more useful than other parts.

It had been a while since I read an organizing & planning book. I used to read a lot of them, internalized some parts, especially from How to Get Control of Your Time and Your Life. I felt that I was falling back into poor work habits, and this one looked interesting. I'm not sure I learned anything new, but it was interesting to see advice written in an electronic age vice the ones I read decades ago. Useful reminders.

[Asparagus · Rating 4 out of 5]

A candid look at why people procrastinate and get overwhelmed, at work and at home, and how to change this to getting things done. I like his experiences with clients he shares and the numerous inspiring quotes.

The parts about specific filing systems and palm pilots are a little out if date, but the broad concepts are still relevant.

[Audrey]

I feel like this book should be aimed at specific people like those who work at a bank or customer service.

The good:

- he recommends getting organized
- remove clutter especially paper
- don’t check email all the time


Bad

- this book is outdated
- I couldn’t really apply everything to my work

[Muhammad Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book as it (PEP) came highly recommended by a friend who'd been on the actual course. Initially, from reading the first few pages, one may think that there's nothing much to learn and it's just common sense, but read a few more chapters, and allow yourself to be open to new ideas, question the way you yourself work, and then you'll realise this book is full of valuable advice, and the Personal Efficiency Program makes sense - after all you want to get things done on time, you don't want to take work home with you, you would like to find time to do the things you're been wishing to do for a long time but just couldn't get down to doing it...After reading this book and acting on the advice and processes recommended, your working life is bound to change for the better, be more efficient and less stressful. This book should is appropriate for anyone in any job situation.
That's the good part - there are some bits I wasn't too pleased about, and that is when the author refers to some bits of technology (software, floppy disks, etc) that is now quite out-dated. Given this book and the program started off in the early 90's it's understandable, but the author has made some attempt to sync up to current software; so the parts on archiving needs to be reviewed/edited - that's my only gripe.
On the whole however, this is a fantastic book, full of practical, pragmatic solutions.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, the big theme with motivational books is you should get things done A.S.A.P. This book expands more on that theme but focusing on streamlining your life by figuring out what is the most important thing to you and acting upon it. To me, it's best to be summed up by a quote from Covey that the author quoted which was something like, "Imagine at your funeral, what will your family and friends say about you?"

I originally wanted to give this book a 3.5 stars but that's not an option so 4 stars for you.

[Carolyn Cabanlit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really helps me to stop procrastinating and just "Do it now" no matter what. Sometimes I am so preoccupied with the things that are not so important and keep writing them down "to do list" but never really get things done because in some many ways my attention and focus are totally diverted to other unnecessary things which I really spent a lot of time like browsing in social medias and watching tv like a potato coach.

With the help of this book, if you really want to finish something then "Do it now".

[Sam Berner]

This book has a major effect on the lowering of my stress levels, and yet what it says is so simple, a kid should know it! Strongly recommended to all my friends who feel they are a bit like a chook with its head chopped off.

[Lori Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read book on how to be productive in your job as your manage your career.

[Mohammed AlSaif · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read the Arabic version of this book. Its simple, quick, easy to read and have particular steps to be more productive! *Recommend*

[Jenny Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, not great. Borrow it if you can.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The big thing I remember from this book is "Do it now!" It actually helps me when I am procrastinating to remember that.

[Rachel Meints · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great summary of the depth of research on efficiency in the workplace. Has some great tips on the do it now method, how to handle email, and how to deal with the constant barrage of information.