A client needs help with a crisis, the copy for the annual report has to be signed off and one of your staff is due for a career review session. Don't panic With a bit of planning all will not be lost. Go through the agenda to check that you need to contribute. Preparation and overview As soon as you know you have to travel, set up an indexed Desk Organiser File. Make sure that a person at home gets a copy of all relevant information.
Thorough planning can significantly influence the outcome of a trip.
If you can, plan to travel the unproductive 80 per cent of your day. If you lose one hour of the key 20 per cent, it'll have much more drastic effect on results. Overview your plans for the time you are away, think about potential problems, identify contingencies and communicate these with people who will resolve problems while you're gone. Above all, leave a schedule of where you plan to be and with who, leave your contact numbers, explain when a good time to call would be and when you will have your mobile on answerphone or divert. Don't overload yourself down with files and equipment that are going to stay in your locked briefcase.