NPR: Overcoming E-mail Overload at Work
John Porcaro points to a recent Morning Edition show on NPR where he is quoted on Microsoft's e-mail culture. In the show, productivity expert Marilyn Paul offers a number of tips to avoid overload. Of particular interest is her mention of e-mail subject line tags - an idea we've used at VanDyke Software for years which I discuss in my More Space essay.
Use subject-line protocols to speed communication: a.) No reply needed – NRN; b.) Thank you - TY; c.) Need response by date and time – NRB 10/30 3:00 pm; d.) Use subject line for whole message: Meet 10:00 10/30 Okay?
To update you on my progress with that project, I've submitted my first draft to the group and have already gotten some great feedback from Todd which I will use to sharpen up the essay.