Chris Anderson, who runs the high-profile TED conference, believes we need to focus on limiting the flow of email, rather than focusing on how to organize and file all those messages. Anderson penned 10 ideas that could make a dent in email quantity:
The grammar police are applying full force to the rampant misuse of quotation marks. At least one web site and The Book of “Unnecessary” Quotation Marks are documenting the sometimes hilarious application of quotations in inappropriate places. Examples of publicly posted signs:
When a jaw-droppingly rude email arrives in your inbox, here’s how to react: 1. Draft the email you wish you could send. 2. Start with, “Thank you.” 3. Volunteer to get on the phone. 4. Call her out.
What does your boss really want? Simple answers. Get in the habit of boiling down information for your boss by beginning with the phrase, “Here’s what’s important …” or “The bottom line is …” The boss will appreciate a simple answer.
Which are you more likely to write: “Do not waste energy” or “Conserve energy”? If your writing contains a lot of “no’s” and “not’s,” it’s a signal of negative writing. Using positive language is a better way to promote your ideas.
Tidy up your text by counting the number of words you use per sentence, and compute the average. If it’s between 15 and 20 words per sentence, you pass … Never offer praise and ask for a favor in the same conversation. It makes the praise seem like a setup … Looking for ways to fill your time at work? Always frame your request positively.
Don’t start a speech by citing “eight ways to beat inflation” or “10 rules of teamwork.” After the first one, your audience will quickly calculate how long you’re likely to talk, and zone out. Adapted from The Speechwriter’s Handbook of Humor, Robert Orben, Marion Street Press.
Workplace conflicts often arise because different people have different ways of doing things. Tips for navigating a clash of the styles:
Of the millions of iPhone 4 (and iPhone 3GS) users in the United States, most are unaware of the advanced shortcuts that can make them more efficient. Here are six ways to boost your productivity:
Great minds don’t always think alike, a new OfficeTeam study suggests. Work styles vary based on personality traits, communication preferences and organizational methods.
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