They call me DNA’s Control Centre for my attention to detail and organizational skills (but secretly I think they’re trying to send me a message about being anal-retentive). Regardless of their true feelings, they do say that many of my management mantras have improved efficiency for them personally, and company-wide. One example of this is the “4-D” rule – a no-fuss method for managing email.

The next time you have information overload due to endless emails, follow the 4-Ds once you have read it: Delete it, Delegate it, Designate time to do it later, or Do it now, and then file them. So, instead of re-reading emails several times, I now have a system where the only messages in my inbox are those needing attention that day. When I leave for the day, my inbox is empty. Call it anal-retentive if you’d like, all I know is the 4-D rule has me seeing email more clearly.

Posted by: DNA’s Control Centre