Avoiding Email Overload Can be Easy

Follow a few rules:

1. Anything that can be taken care of in two minutes or less should be done promptly.

2. Divert low-priority messages into specially designated folders, like weekly newsletters or list serves.

3. Delegate it or do it. Either take action right away, as suggested in the first tip, transfer the message into its appropriate folder, or delegate the task.

4. Define the optimal number of messages you want in your inbox at one time. If you like a clutter-free inbox, your maximum number may be 15 messages. Then, when you hit 20, it’s time to clean up.

5. Color-code key recipients. Read these emails first. For example, messages from your supervisor can be designated red, family members blue, and so on.

Resource: The News & Observer – CareerBuilder – February 25, 2007