DO NOT CHECK YOUR EMAIL CONSTANTLY
- Set aside a few times during the day (first thing in the morning, lunch, before going home) to read and respond to emails
DO NOT RESPOND IF NO RESPONSE IS REQUIRED
- Delete if irrelevant or unimportant
- File if you’ve read the information and no further action is required
USE AN ORGANIZED FILING SYSTEM
- Move items out of your inbox once you have dealt with them
Your inbox then becomes your ‘email to-do list’
- Your filing system should ensure it is easy to find filed emails later
Emails are a great tool, but can also be counterproductive. How can you stay productive, while staying on top of emails?
1 – Your only job isn’t answering emails. If you are constantly checking, you get distracted from important tasks. But, you also want to ensure you are aware of important things going on. Checking and responding a few times a day ensures you’re on top of what people are sending, but also not getting distracted.
2 – Not every email needs a response. Don’t respond if it isn’t required.
3 – Use an organized system – everyone’s system is a bit different.
- I find that moving things out of your inbox when they are dealt with is the best for me
- I then have a ‘to do’ list in my inbox
- Ensure your filing system is easy to use so you can find emails later
Qs: Any other best practices you use?