At Work

• Organize Your Email
  Are you overwhelmed by the number of messages in your inbox? Do you have a hard time tracking down an email you want to re-read? Several solutions exist for streamlining your inbox. The first thing to do is get a spam & virus filter. Reports estimated that over 90% of email is spam. If your company doesn't already provide a filter get a desktop filter like I Hate Spam you can also turn on the "Junk Email" filter available in most new email software. Once you've rid yourself of junk emails, start an organized system for storing email you need to keep. Just like in a traditional file cabinent you can set up folders for different topics. For example you can set up a folder for all communication from your boss or for all files set up for a particular project. Once you've read an email decide if you need to keep it or file it in one of your folders. Another idea is to create rules in your email program that automatically filter emails into their proper folders.

• Reclaim Your Time
  Whether it is a co-worker who drops by to chat, endless emails or constant phone calls, interruptions are rampant at the office. Interuptions by their nature disrupt the flow of productive work. Here are a few tips to keep interruptions at bay. Rather than spend time with anyone who happens to stop by, close the door, let calls go to voicemail and only respond to email once or twice a day instead of constantly checking your inbox.

• Manage Workplace Expectations
  Do you start every Monday with high hopes of whittling down your massive "to do" list only to find the same projects on your list on Friday? You must begin to change the way you manage your time and reinvent your project list. Start by removing any items that really aren't necessary to your job or your company's focus. Then organize your list into a "Must Get Done" and "Would Like to Get Done." Next determine how much time you can devote to each project this week. Be realistic about what you can accomplish and add extra time for the unexpected. Start with the most important item, not the easiest or the one your enjoy most. It's easy to spend time on tasks you enjoy and ignore the items that must get done. Once a project is completed, mark it off the list and move on to the next priority. If you find that the list never gets shorter, then you need to learn to delegate! (Tip from BlueSuitMom.com, the site for working mothers.)
• Learn to Delegate without Micromanaging
  Many times when managing a project, people have a tendency to over manage the project. You'll only do more harm than good by "hovering" over a co-worker's shoulder. When you delegate a project, make sure to let the individual know the project goals, requirements and deadlines and that you are available if they have questions or need any assistance. Then let your co-worker or employee do the project as they see fit. It will help free up some of your time and allow others to develop new skills and shows team members that you have confidence in their ability to handle projects on their own.