D.R.A.F.T

If one plans to implement the guideline Only Handle It Once, then the D.R.A.F.T. technique is a very useful method for deciding the next step for paper or digital documents.

Delegate: Route the information to appropriate individual. This may include the assignment of a related task and the need for a later follow-up.

Read: Immediately review the information, especially if it can be done within 5 minutes. Longer documents usually are initially filed and then read at the next best time to do so.

Act: If something needs to be completed, and it is urgent and important, do it now.

File: This can be placing something within a file folder or recording it on a list.

Toss: If in doubt, throw it out.