Be aware, and honest, with how often you’re checking email. Every time you get interrupted by email it takes, on average, 64 seconds to regain your train of thought. If you’re checking email every 5 minutes, you’re wasting 8.5 hours a week.- Avoid these 3 things when writing/sending email:
- Overuse of the priority symbol (!)
- Typing in all CAPS – it’s as if you are yelling at someone
- Putting someone’s name on the CC line when it should be on the BCC line.
- The #1 complaint on email is when people hit “Reply to All” unnecessarily. When responding to an email, be aware of just who needs to see your response.
- Be in control of when you check email by first shutting off ALL notification sounds and symbols. These are the chimes, dings and text balloon that appears when an email arrives.
- Avoid checking your email first thing in the morning. Instead, take five minutes to review your calendar and your To Do List. This brief strategy will go a long way in raising your awareness as to what needs your time, attention and focus and also serve as a reminder to not waste time with email when other projects need to get moved forward.
The Organized Audrey Golden Rule of Email: “The more you send, the more you shall receive.” Do everything you can to reduce the number of emails you’re sending because it will directly impact the number of emails you receive.
Audrey Thomas, CSP has been entertaining and teaching audiences for over 20 years. As an author, speaker and productivity consultant, she presents for corporations, non-profits, conferences and conventions. Audrey has authored several books, including 50 Ways to Leave Your Clutter, and The Road Called Chaos. Find more information at Organized Audrey and on her YouTube channel.