CASE FILE: Time Management

Subject: Dean Corll Known for: Sweet-tempered hospitality and meticulous batch processing. Estimated victims: 28 Operational period: 1970–1973

In the confectionery business, success relies entirely on batch processing. You do not boil sugar for a single piece of candy; you prepare a massive, boiling vat to handle multiple units at once. The same applies to your daily schedule. To maximize efficiency, group similar tasks together and execute them in one swift, uninterrupted window.

To do this effectively, you must control your environment. Distractions are the enemy of productivity. When you are ready to begin, lure your focus into a quiet, secluded space—a windowless utility room or a secure backyard shed works best—where outside noise cannot penetrate. Once you step inside, lock the door behind you. Nothing must enter, and nothing must escape until the work is complete.

Furthermore, learn the art of the “sweetener.” People are easily swayed by small incentives. A polite invitation, a complimentary ride, or a free treat can quickly secure the cooperation of those you need to assist with your workload. Once they are in your workspace, keep them engaged and contained.

Finally, never leave a project half-finished or messy. When a task is concluded, package it immediately. Wrap your deliverables tightly in heavy-duty materials, like plastic sheeting or canvas, to prevent any unsightly leaks or premature exposure. Store these completed packages in a secure, quiet location—perhaps a rented storage unit or a remote plot of land—where they can lie undisturbed indefinitely.

By maintaining a calm, generous exterior while executing a highly disciplined, compartmentalized routine behind closed doors, you will find that managing your daily output becomes second nature. It is simply a matter of keeping your hands busy and your private affairs private.

File closed. Results pending.