Getting Your E-mail Inbox to Zero

| | | | |

Merlin Mann is one of my favorite productivity gurus. I have been reading his blog for a couple of years now.

Recently, Merlin gave a lecture at Google. It was entitled “Inbox Zero.” In this lecture, he provides a conceptual framework and practical tips for managing your e-mail workload. He also answers questions from the audience.

Even though I have written a great deal on this topic myself, I still found his insights very helpful.

One of the most helpful things he says is that we need to stop e-mail from taking over our lives. In our teams and workgroups, we must define what constitutes “responsiveness.”

As I have written about previously, I think checking e-mail twice a day is sufficient. If someone needs an answer faster than that, they can call me. It is amazing how much you can get done if you turn your e-mail off and actually work through your to-do list.

Technorati Tags: , , , ,

Set up a self-hosted WordPress blog in 20 minutes or less by watching my step-by-step screencast. Also, get a discount on BlueHost web hosting. It is the only hosting service I personally recommend. Learn more ….
| | | | |
Posted on
Category: Productivity
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are snarky, offensive, or off-topic. If in doubt, read My Comments Policy.

  • http://www.rachelhauck.com Rachel Hauck

    Maybe it’s important to manage our email so we do more face-to-face, voice-to-voice communication.

    Relationships are still a vital part of any work place. Too much emailing cancels the need to face someone, or talk through issue and build relationship.

    I’m glad people are starting to speak out on the downside of such a great tool.

    All in moderation, right? :)

    Rachel

  • Jeff D

    Mike-
    I watched this on Thursday night last week and didn’t leave work until my e-mail was truly “processed” and the inbox was empty.

    Now… do I truly turn the email “radio” off on the blackberry….

    -Jeff

  • Joel Miller

    I am highly appreciative of this continued discussion on better managing email. It’s probably the biggest challenge in my daily worklife, and the ongoing conversation about getting the ebeast under control has been a great encouragement and valuable resource for me. . . . And now, uh, back to clearing out that inbox.

  • Sol

    Thank you for this – wonderful stuff!

  • http://zoecarnate.com Mike Morrell

    I just discovered your blog today–are you telling me that there’s hope for the 200+ unread personal messages perpetually in my Inbox? I shall be reading your archives, sir!

  • Pingback: 5 rules for more efficient emails | Toby Sturgill | Principal/Creative Director, Gradient Overlay

  • Pingback: The Weekly Review For Creatives And Why You Need It | David Santistevan

  • Pingback: 7 Easy Ways to Simplify | davidamoore.com