Did you know that everyone has their own personal email management style? Your style has a strong influence on your approach to managing your email. So it’s helpful to understand those influences and take them into consideration to maximize your productivity.
There are 4 common email management styles. Find the one that best describes you to gain some insight on how you can get things done more efficiently.
Style #1: Losing focus and trouble finishing your email management
You like things to move quickly. You have a tendency to jump from one task to another, which decreases your focus and your productivity. Distractions and interruptions are a frequent occurrence as well.
Solution: Consider blocking off as much time as possible first thing in the morning to work on your email management. Don’t allow yourself to focus on anything else during this time. Turn off the phone and incoming email notifications.
Style #2: Difficulty making decisions
When faced with choices, you have trouble making decisions and often put things off. You may be afraid that you are making the wrong decision or you aren’t clear about what you want.
Solution: Keep an eye on your goals and your priorities. When you are clear about what you want, it becomes easier to make decisions. Also, asking for advice from others is an option. Paying attention to how you feel about your choices can help guide you as well.
Style #3: Waiting until your email is out of control
You are often motivated to get things done in high pressure situations. When you wait until your email is out of control, you may not be putting forth your best effort. You are also susceptible to a higher level of stress.
Solution: Try breaking your email management down into smaller pieces. It’s also a good idea to assign some deadlines. Try setting a timer for 10 minutes. You can give yourself permission to stop after this time has elapsed. But there is a good chance that you will keep going.
Style #4: Getting stuck in the details and doing things perfectly
You have very high standards. You may be spending too much time perfecting your email management. This leads to the assumption that you will never have enough time to get through your email.
Solution: Consider giving less energy to low priority emails. Instead take some time to figure out your top priorities. Dedicate your time to those emails that you know are the most important.
About the Author: Susan Tollefson
Susan Tollefson is a business consultant and coach. She has over 20 years of experience overseeing key projects for large corporations. She brings her background of corporate success and enthusiasm for helping entrepreneurs grow to business owners in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Read more from Susan here: Inside Out Business Systems Blog.
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