Management Tip of the Day: Set an Email Quota and Stick to It

Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   TIPS   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile MAY 8, 2013 Set an Email Quota and Stick to It If you've tried all of the basic ways to manage your email, but are still feeling overwhelmed, try setting quotas. The idea is that the more messages you send, the more you get. Assume that every email you send will generate 4–10 responses, so you're creating work for yourself with each message. Limit the number of threads you initiate each day. For incoming messages, estimate the number of emails each will generate and make that your daily quota. Use filters to sort incoming mail and keep all but the most crucial messages out of your inbox. Auto-file other messages in alternative folders. Keep adding rules until your daily inbox volume falls below the quota you've set. Today's Management Tip was adapted from the HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done. Buy the book for more ways to prioritize and stay focused » Share Today's Tip: FEATURED PRODUCT HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done HBR Press IS YOUR WORKLOAD SLOWING YOU — AND YOUR CAREER — DOWN? Your inbox is overflowing. You're paralyzed because you have too much to do but don't know where to start. Your to-do list never seems to get any shorter. You leave work exhausted but have little to show for it. It's time to learn how to get the right work done. In the HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done, you'll discover how to focus your time and energy where they will yield the greatest reward. Not only will you end each day knowing you made progress — your improved productivity will also set you apart from the pack. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS Don't Listen to Customers — Observe Them Set the Right Tone for Your Talk Know When It's Time to Quit Your Job 2 Strategic Choices You Have to Make Use Your Online Network to Test Ideas Prepare Stories for Your Job Interview Walk at Your Next Meeting 3 Elements of Great Communication Before Your Next Salary Negotiation, Do Your Homework Don't Bore Your Audience with Your Writing All Previous Tips BEST SELLERS HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations Ebook + Video Case Study HBR's 10 Must Reads on Leadership HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Introducing Mobile ManageMentor Powered by the proven content of Harvard ManageMentor™ iTunes >> Android >> UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. OPT OUT If you do not wish to receive any email messages from Harvard Business Review, click here. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2013 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)