2 Responses

  1. Daniel
    Daniel March 14, 2008 at 4:45 am |

    When I have email overload, I scan for any immediate “must be addressed now” items. Once those are dealt with, I start at the bottom and work up.

    I try not to use my inbox as a “to-do” list – that’s what the “Tasks” and “Calendar” are for. A lot of times I drag an email to my calendar, and set aside time in 15 or 30 minute blocks to work on that email. Do that with the emails that are going to be longer projects than 5 minute responses.

    Works ok for me … but sometimes I do get overloaded, and just have to work through it.

    Reply
  2. swissfondue
    swissfondue March 14, 2008 at 6:24 am |

    The web is full of tips. Basically it boils down to “The critical point, as ever, is to focus on action and not on the administration and housekeeping. If the action is just a response, respond. If it requires more than a return email, either do it or get it in your “next actions” and keep moving.”

    You may want to read this post: http://blogs.sun.com/constantin/entry/enhancing_email_efficiency

    Or also:
    http://www.43folders.com/2005/02/18/quick-tips-on-processing-your-email-inbox

    and:
    http://www.43folders.com/2005/02/15/five-fast-email-productivity-tips

    Reply

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