Time Management - Marc Mancini

Plugging Time Leaks 129
Strategies to Reduce Reading
There are at least three ways you might reduce the amount
of material you’re required to read.
• Block out incoming communication that’s irrelevant to you. If you’re
routinely copied on information you don’t need, either via e-mail or
voluminous written reports, have your name removed from automatic
copy lists. Most e-mail programs offer filters to keep spam
(unsolicited bulk messages) out of your inbox. (Unless you are
familiar with the e-mailer, it’s usually not a good idea to use the
“remove me from your list” option in the message.That lets the
spammers know they’ve reached a valid e-mail address.)
• Filter incoming material. Have staff or an assistant summarize or
excerpt relevant information from lengthy communications.
• Delegate certain forms of information to staffers or assistants to
read and handle at their own discretion.
• Outline your time limitations at the beginning of the call.
• Pretend to be interrupted by someone or something, then
say, “Sorry, I have to go.”
• Pretend you’re calling from a phone booth.
• Screen your calls, then respond, if you can, via voicemail,
e-mail, or fax.
In Person
• Remain standing while you’re at your workplace or in
Are You Guilty?
Are you one of those people whom others think of as
long-winded? Sometimes you need to ask yourself some
hard questions.
Many years ago, on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, one ever-excitable
character had launched into one of her recognizably enthusiastic and
long-winded stories. Another character listened patiently for a very
long time and then, very gently but very meaningfully, intoned,“You
know I love you, dear. But I must tell you.That was not an interesting
story.”
If you ever find yourself wondering whether or not you’re going on
too long about something, you probably are.