AMG January Quick Tip

HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY MANAGE YOUR INBOX

If you’re like many busy folks, the speed with which your email inbox fills each day can sometimes be overwhelming. Do you catch yourself playing mind games against Outlook to see how long you can keep pace with less than 3 unread emails only to find that by 9:45, you’re defeated? Or, realize that much of what you’re receiving is not critically important but requires you to sift through it all like a bad game of minesweeper? Sound familiar?

Organization is the key to success in a fast-paced business environment and email rules play a vital role. You can start small and build your organizational kingdom over time.

1) Start by designating a flag color code or creating a special folder for emails from your boss and all upper management (based on Outlook)

2) Next, create a rule for your subordinates defining a different flag color or creating a new folder for the group

3) Then, proceed through your list of common inbox occupants

—tip: flag colors can get a little busy and remain in your inbox while folders are neatly moved / organized as subfolders under your inbox
—tip: a good rule of thumb is if you receive ten or more emails per day from an individual, assign an individual flag color/new folder

Now, the keys to the kingdom of organization are all yours!! I recommend starting small with just your boss and upper management designated with a special flag color or new folder so that you have an opportunity to see how the overall functionality works before you build-out your entire electronic filing cabinet.