BOOMERANG FOR GMAIL TRICKS ARCHIVE

The following image shows how I created this filter in Google Apps (Gmail). I simply scan the folder several times each week to help me stay in the loop. These CC (and BCC) emails rarely require me to take action, and it saves a huge amount of distraction to keep them out of my inbox.

CC Mail: If my name doesn’t appear in the “To” field of an email, it goes into a “CC Mail” folder.

Invest time setting up email filters. I use several filters so that only key email hits my inbox.

Every time you take your focus off your current conversation or task to look at an incoming email, you subtract from your leadership presence and deep thinking. An incoming email is not more important than the person you are currently talking to or the task you had proactively chosen to work on.

Turn off notifications on your desktop computer and mobile devices.

Here are four foundational practices I recommend, regardless of the email program you use. Over the years, I’ve adopted several practices to maximize productivity despite the increasing volume of email.

BOOMERANG FOR GMAIL TRICKS ARCHIVE

On the positive side, email search functionality has improved well enough that it’s no longer necessary to spend time sorting old emails into file folders - even if I archive all old emails into a single folder, I’m 99% confident that I’ll find any email when I need it. Such a high volume makes it impossible to act on every email as soon as it arrives, without distracting me from productive work and meetings. It’s not uncommon for me to receive scores of daily email requiring action – this is not counting spam, e-newsletters, and CCs. Sometimes, I amazed people with my ability to find an old email containing needed information.

I acted on the email right away, and then I filed it into a system of folders.

I wanted to see the notification immediately. Real conversations that demonstrate executive presence.īack in the day, the volume of email I received was small enough that it was actually fun to receive email.Uninterrupted work focused on pre-defined priorities.However, many leaders over-do it when it comes to responding to email they receive.īy spending most days distracted by their computer or mobile device, many leaders miss out on: And generally speaking, frequent and fast communication is better. Communication is key to being an effective leader.

Boomerang for gmail tricks