10 Proven Best Practices for Mastering Email Management and Boosting Productivity

Q: I spend so much time answering emails that I'm losing productivity in other areas. How can I become more efficient when it comes to managing my inbox?

A: Email remains a cornerstone of personal and professional communication today, yet many people dedicate one to two hours daily just managing it.

Drawing from my extensive experience consulting for the world's largest corporations and most successful companies, I've distilled these 10 best practices for email management. Implementing them will sharpen your productivity and elevate your communication effectiveness.

1. Determine what you want to accomplish.
2. Charge your emails with action.
3. Take advantage of the subject line.
4. Be clear and concise.
5. Make it easy on the receiver.
6. Use CC and BCC with caution.
7. Reduce the volume.
8. Get it “good enough” and get it out.
9. Think before you hit send.
10. Use the phone to avoid too much coming and going.