About 20 years ago, when I first started working with leaders, their desks were a sight to behold—piles of paper scattered everywhere like confetti at a party.
Fast forward to today, and you’d think we’ve got it all sorted, right? Wrong! While the paper may have vanished, the digital chaos within our computers and inboxes is very much alive and kicking.
Bonjour, in this video, I want to offer a simple yet game-changing suggestion to help you wrangle that workflow and emerge victorious.
You see, I often hear leaders in large organisations describing themselves as “swamped” with information overload. And hey, who can blame them? Between emails, Slack messages, and a myriad of other platforms, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in a sea of data.
But here’s the thing: many people make the mistake of blending information with action.
Let me paint you a picture. Back in the day, when I used to sit down with clients at their desks, I’d often come across a piece of paper they insisted on keeping in plain sight. Why? Because it served as a visual reminder of something they needed to do. Sound familiar?
Fast forward to today, and it’s the same story, just in a digital format. We leave emails in our inbox as a reminder to take action.
Here’s my suggestion: separate the two. When you receive an email or message, ask yourself, “What action needs to be taken, and how long will it take?” If it’s a quick task, knock it out then and there. If it requires more time, schedule it for later. Once you’ve dealt with the action, shift your focus to the information. Decide if it’s worth keeping, deleting, or filing away for future reference.
By separating information from action, you’ll not only speed up your workflow but also regain a sense of control over your digital domain.
So, my questions for you is this: Do you treat your inbox as a makeshift to-do list, or do you have a more structured approach to managing tasks?
This is this week’s Work Smarter: Live Better tip.
Wishing you a fantastic day ahead!
A bientôt,
Cyril
