MPW Insider is an online community where the biggest names in business and beyond answer timely career and leadership questions. Today’s answer for: How do you manage email overload? is written by Julie Larson-Green, CXO of applications and services group at Microsoft.
Managing your email requires discipline and keeping the process simple is critical to actually using it efficiently. In fact, part of what I study at Microsoft is how different forms of digital communication are helpful in the workplace, including email. Here’s how I breakdown my inbox:
Emails sent directly to me: I respond using a last-in, first-out method. I also separate my private email so that my personal conversations don’t get lost in the slew of work email I get every day.
Emails sent to several people: I review these messages and determine whether I need to respond directly or take action. Often there’s someone on my team who is the best person to respond. In those cases, I forward the email or reply with a quick note.
Emails I’m cc’d on: If I’m not addressed directly, I consider the message to be for information only. I read them and immediately file or delete.
Emails that are irrelevant: I usually delate these emails right away, so that they don’t accumulate and clutter my inbox.
Read all answers to the MPW Insider question: How do you manage email overload?
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