Has your inbox reached its size limit? Have you lost track of who's waiting for a response? Most people struggle to stay on top of e-mail. Here are three tactics that might help:
Reply by phone. Quick calls can often eliminate dozens of e-mails. A five-minute chat may be more efficient than crafting a message that adequately explains the situation.
Do not copy. If a message you're sending requires a recipient's attention, include that person in the "to" field; if not, leave them off entirely. Tell colleagues to do the same.
Put down the smartphone. When you have a few minutes between meetings, don't respond to e-mail on your mobile's tiny keyboard. Wait until you're back at your desk or with your laptop or tablet, when you can craft a better response in less time.
Source: Harvard Business Review - Today's Management Tip was adapted from the HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done.