Speaker: Tina Hatfield, CBF

Topic: Let’s Get Organized, Structure = Power

Tina Hatifield, CBF was the speaker for CFDD and ICEL for the February 2026 meeting. Organization is not a new topic for this group and I was impressed with how Tina took a different spin on the topic. Tina notes that she is not a professional organizer but rather a “recovering organized chaos enthusiast.” The trick for Tina? Structure = Power.

Having an organized mindset leads to better decision, more confidence, and calmer work environments. Tina laid out three objectives when creating an organized structure:

• The Framework: Creating structure that holds
• Maintenance: Keeping order without extra work
• Benefits: Turning structure into power

Framework

There are many tools that business professionals can utilize to create a framework of tools or daily habits. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), calendar, reminders, note (digital or manual), checklists, to do lists, shared folders with coworkers/team, apps, etc. Tina recommends testing to find out what works for you and your team. Tina loves the SOP route and has created many in her tenure. When creating effective SOPs, Tina asks:

1. Does it cover the nitty gritty of how to operate?
2. Is it complete: start to finish?
3. Have I considered the audience in content and delivery medium?
4. Can a new hire follow along?
5. How often should I evaluate and update?
6. How is it stored and accessible to the team?

Tina also shared with us her delegation golden rule for workflow with her team: If it grows the business, keep it. If it grows the people, delegate it.

When setting up the framework of organization keep in mind the future. Are your tools, tips, and tricks setting you up for future success? Are you scaling for growth? Are there plans in place to weather the storms?

Maintenance

Tina talked about creating a low effort structure in order to keep order and structure without extra work. Creating standard naming conventions, simple folder hierarchies, clear task ownership, and documented SOPs will help maintain a structure that will stand the test of time. Additionally, finding ways to automate tasks will help reduce decision fatigue. Create recurring calendar reminders, use templates for emails and notices, create checklists for repeatable workflows, create rules and filters in emails. Create systems that can run themselves not that need constant upkeep.

Benefits

Turning structure into power increased productivity, improves time management, enhances collaboration, aids memory retention, reduces mistakes, and increases performance during times of crisis. Finding what works for the benefit of the team you and your team can benefit everyone to reduce the roadblocks inherent from collaboration.

Thanks, Tina, for a great presentation and tips to take into our workspace to find what works for us.