Be a taskmaster

Use a computer program to generate automatic reminders of recurring tasks.

For example, schedule performance reviews for employees, set up reminders to renew licenses, or review insurance policies. Microsoft Outlook lets you set an appointment on your calendar or build a task list, and then will generate an automatic reminder. "You'll be amazed how much pressure this will relieve and how much more effective it'll make you," says consultant Mark Opperman with VMC Inc.