Are you getting more email today than you did 10 years ago at your job? It may seem you are bombarded with junk coming in that you repeatedly delete. You need to factor those emails out to focus on meaningful communication with your employees, coworkers and leadership team. That’s a challenge for almost anyone in a white collar position.
One of the most important skills to have in the workplace is the ability to quick scan and delete email communications that don’t help you in your job. You don’t want to eliminate the important ones. You don’t want to spend a lot of time on the useless transmissions. How do you determine value?
As a former journalist, editor and reporter, one of the skills I developed over the years and have continued to refine is the ability to very quickly determine if a subject is worthwhile. Does it interest me? Will it make a good story? Can I file it away for later? Does it require an immediate response? Ask yourself similar questions relative to your position.
When you scan the subject line of incoming emails, keep those questions in mind. If it’s a repetitive transmission from someone you know is marketing you repeatedly and you have no interest in buying their product, then block the guy. If the subject line is goofy, weird, or plain doesn’t make sense, delete it without reading. If it’s a trusted colleague, read it thoroughly. One-to-one transmissions require more attention than group transmissions. People far too often copy multiple coworkers to cover their tracks.
Work at recognizing code words that relate to your position and the ones that distract you from your task at hand. Use them to make quick decisions on what helps you and what doesn’t.
Email IS still an important way to communicate your messages. It can also over-complicate your day if you let it.
You may be getting more email today (or not). The bigger question is how effective you are in getting rid of the stuff that takes you away from more important duties. Develop the quick and simple skills outlined above and you’ll focus on important communications, and have more time to lead.
One of the most important skills to have in the workplace is the ability to quick scan and delete email communications that don’t help you in your job. You don’t want to eliminate the important ones. You don’t want to spend a lot of time on the useless transmissions. How do you determine value?
As a former journalist, editor and reporter, one of the skills I developed over the years and have continued to refine is the ability to very quickly determine if a subject is worthwhile. Does it interest me? Will it make a good story? Can I file it away for later? Does it require an immediate response? Ask yourself similar questions relative to your position.
When you scan the subject line of incoming emails, keep those questions in mind. If it’s a repetitive transmission from someone you know is marketing you repeatedly and you have no interest in buying their product, then block the guy. If the subject line is goofy, weird, or plain doesn’t make sense, delete it without reading. If it’s a trusted colleague, read it thoroughly. One-to-one transmissions require more attention than group transmissions. People far too often copy multiple coworkers to cover their tracks.
Work at recognizing code words that relate to your position and the ones that distract you from your task at hand. Use them to make quick decisions on what helps you and what doesn’t.
Email IS still an important way to communicate your messages. It can also over-complicate your day if you let it.
You may be getting more email today (or not). The bigger question is how effective you are in getting rid of the stuff that takes you away from more important duties. Develop the quick and simple skills outlined above and you’ll focus on important communications, and have more time to lead.