How to get out of email overload

Posted by: Krishna De | Posted on: May 1st, 2007 | 0 Comments | Posted in: Communication

Can you remember the days when you did not have an email account?

I can distinctly – it was 1988 and I had just started a new role with an international FMCG company and my then boss had a computer in his office. I was astounded that he had the ability to connect with colleagues all over the world through that computer.

Roll forward almost 20 years and now almost anywhere in the world we can find a computer to connect us to our colleagues.

In fact today with PDA’s, mobile phones and wireless connections, we seem to be connected 24/7.

It is estimated that over 40 per cent of employees are spending over 40 per cent of their time each day on email. And this is at a time where we are asking our people to get more connected and engaged with customers and clients and spend more time innovating and being creative.

We are almost all looking to reduce email volume, but despite good intentions most of us rarely end the day with an empty inbox for email.

Here are seven actions you can take today to reduce email overload:

1. Send fewer emails – yes this is an obvious one, but if you send fewer emails, you will probably receive less email. Particularly in corporate environments, many people are copied on email when there is no need to clog their email inboxes. Set the standard in your office in only sending an email to the people who need to see it. Check that the email you send is timely, topical and targeted.
2. Provide guidance – while there is a proliferation of email, we also want to remain polite. You can reduce the number of emails that are sent as a reply to your email by advising the recipient if you do not need a reply.
3. Strengthen the subject line – be explicit in the title of your email so that people understand the urgency and content of your email. This will add clarity and context to your email.

You can read the rest of 7 tips about how to be more effective in managing your email and this weeks Biz Growth Action Tips here. 

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©Krishna De, Oneocean Ltd 2007. All rights reserved. Reprinted from ‘Biz Growth News’ (http://www.bizgrowthnews.com/), a Oneocean Ltd publication for leaders in professional services practices, featuring inspiration, strategies and tips to build your brand, attract your ideal clients and enjoy greater success with less stress.  Subscribe today at http://www.bizgrowthlive.com/ .