Forms and Paperwork

" Paperwork "  We shudder at the mere mention of the word.  A word that brings to mind hours of tedious, mind boggling frustration.  A frustration that is magnified when you're working on the largest transaction of your career....

You burst into the resource room, while your clients wait for you in the lobby.  You need to obtain the one special addendum that will hold your transaction together.  You rush over to the ominous black forms drawers.  Running your fingers down the cold metal rows, you absorb each label into your subconscious, eliminating it's contents from your quest.  Alas, you locate the desired drawer; the cradle of the document that insures your success.  You glide open the drawer, only to be catapulted into a paralyzing shock... the drawer is void of any contents what so-ever!  Dazed, you hardly notice the floor coming up to greet you as your knees give way.  Your body coils into a semi-fetal position,

Small, warm tears flow quietly....

Ok, So it's not that bad... especially when you have a forms and paperwork system in place like we do here at the Champlin Park office!  But our "paperwork system" only works if EVERYONE understands and follows it! 

Paperwork Island Located in our central resource room, you will find our 240 drawer "paperwork island".  A multi-functional island, that provides us with more than just an excellent pot-luck buffet counter.  These drawers are home to an essential array of forms, contracts and marketing materials.

Marketing materials on the south (PC) side.  Purchase agreements, contracts and disclosures on the north side.

Drawer Index  On top of the island you will find a 3-ring binder labeled "Drawer Index".

This index an excellent answer to the question: "What drawer is it in?"

If you have any suggestions as to the naming or indexing of the drawers, please let Beryl know.

Re-File / Re-Circulate Bin  Each year, our office consumes ten's of thousands of dollars in paperwork and marketing materials. 

We ask that you re-circulate your un-used materials, by placing them in the wire basket, located on top of the island.  Our staff will then take the time to re-file them back into circulation.  The environment thanks you for your support!

 
"The System"  

Our system is very simple and EXTREMELY SMOOTH.  If everyone follows this system, we will NEVER end up with empty paperwork drawers.  It's when someone takes a shortcut, that we end up with empty drawers and frustrated agents...and staff!

 

Within each drawer, you'll find a healthy supply of its contents.

Life is good!

THE  NOTIFICATION SLEEVE

About 20 sheet up from the bottom, there is a plastic sleeve with the actual form, and a PINK 1/2 sheet of paper.

On this pink sheet is; the drawer number along with the following verbiage:

"When you've reached this master copy, please give it to Beryl for reordering."

This is the KEY to our system!

 
If you are the one to reach this Notification Sleeve: DON'T IGNORE IT!  PLEASE REMOVE THIS PLASTIC SLEEVE AND PUT IT IN BERYL'S MAILBOX!  YES there are more of the forms you desire below this sleeve, however it is imperative to let Beryl know that the drawer needs to be restocked!

PLEASE DO NOT JUST TAKE ANOTHER FORM FROM BELOW IT, WITHOUT PASSING THE THE NOTIFICATION SLEEVE ONTO BERYL!

Our system fails when someone does not follow through.  They think that because no one is looking, they can just take one more form from below the notification sleeve.... they can't take the extra 5 seconds to walk (sprint) 15 feet and place this reminder in Beryl's mailbox.
Let us know if you have any questions.  ENOUGH SAID.... THANK YOU!

SHRED IT CONTAINERS

Located in the main Resource Room

These are for sensitive documents ONLY!  These are NOT for general recycling.

Please do not put whole files, folder and all, into these bins as we are charged by the pound!  Only papers with confidential information.

Staples, paperclips and computer hard drives are not a problem.  It will all be totally destroyed.

IMPORTANT: The office DOES NOT have a key to these containers!

Once you put something in... it's gone for good.