If you feel like you get too many emails at work then you probably need to email less and talk more. It’s a simple rule that can reduce the clutter in your email inbox. This is also a great strategy for your coworkers and other departments at work.
Email less, talk more can also prevent time wasting misunderstandings that occur when people write confusing messages. Often, it’s much faster and more productive to just talk to the person and explain what you need. Watch this clip for more:
Ken Okel’s Productivity at Work video series is designed to make you more effective on the job. Every week, you’ll learn a new, easy to digest tip that you can use right away.
What Productivity Questions Does This Video Answer?
- How do I use email more effectively?
- How can I get less email at work?
- When should I not use email?
- How can my department use email more effectively?
Video Transcript
Before you hit the send button I want you to consider this tip for boosting your email productivity. Sometimes the best way to improve your productivity with email is to not use email. And that’s what today’s tip is email less talk more.
Just because we email to use doesn’t mean it’s perfect for every conversation. Sometimes there could be a simple question that relies on a simple answer. But when it’s through email instead of vocally everything becomes that much longer.
Imagine if someone said, “Ken, how do you like your coffee?” I would then say, “Oh, with cream and maybe just a hint of sugar.” Boom. Done.
Start putting it into an email, start talking a lot more. You start saying, “Ken, we have coffee in our office. Would you happen to like some coffee? We have these types of coffees available. We have these types of sweeteners. Perhaps you like cream. Perhaps you like it black.
The conversation becomes much more complicated and then I start to say back, “Well I like this type of coffee but some days I prefer this size.”
All you do is answer the question. So sometimes instead of typing out a response, it’s easier just to find the person and tell them or pick up the telephone, give a quick call let them know.
And remember this applies to you as well. Instead of sending an email, why don’t you just talk to someone. Give a try.
Productivity Series Episodes
1. Productivity Tip: How to Control Distractions at Work
2. Productivity Tip: How to Save Time at Work
3. How to Prevent Burnout
4. The College Professor Time Management Tip
5. Productivity Tip: Stop the Endless Questions
6. Productivity Tip: Control Freaks and Distractions
7. Email Productivity Tip: Your Email Signature
About Ken Okel
Ken Okel works with leaders and organizations to boost productivity, performance, and profits. At conferences, conventions, and company meetings, he engages audiences with new ways to maximize their time at work. To watch a section of his keynote and workshop presentations, visit the professional speaking video section of his website.
