- Is the idea of a physical outbox a mystery to you? I know it was to me until I became more productive. If you're aware I was, let me help demystify it for you. The outbox is the place where you temporarily put thing that belong to someone else, especially people you work with on a regular basis. I recommend having one outbox for each of the key people that you work with in your day. So, first consider with whom do you regularly communicate? To whom do you regularly give paperwork or other physical things? You'll want to create an outbox for each of them. For instance, I might create an outbox for my team members, John and Michelle and Victoria. Also, I work from a home office and even have an outbox for my wife, and she has one for me. Why do this? Because an outbox reduces interruptions when you're processing your inbox. Without an outbox, I might feel the need to get up from my desk and take paperwork to someone else's work area over and over. This would cause me and my coworkers to lose focus. Instead, the outbox allows me to queue up all those files in a clearly designated space or home. Then, when I'm done with all my inbox processing, I get up, take the outboxes, and put the contents into someone else's inbox. Then, during their processing time, they repeat the same system for physical items they need to give to me. The outbox is a simple tool, and, when used effectively, can enhance your productivity and help your team stay more focused.
Author
Updated
4/15/2019Released
4/11/2016Productivity expert Dave Crenshaw provides techniques on a wide variety of topics, designed to help people better manage their time and ultimately become more productive. Tune in to learn about everything from managing emails and calendars to setting priorities, collaborating with coworkers, reducing interruptions, crafting a "productivity mindset," and creating a more comfortable and effective work environment.
Have an idea for a future video from Dave? Submit it using our course feedback form. If you want more time management strategies now, we recommend watching Dave's Time Management Fundamentals course.
- Reducing interruptions
- Dealing with feeling overwhelmed
- Responding to quick questions
- Making the most of meetings
- Following up
- Implementing a closed door, open calendar policy
Skill Level Intermediate
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Introduction
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Welcome43s
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1. Time Management Tips
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Power tips for sending email3m 14s
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Positive procrastination3m 15s
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Remove the "busy" tag2m 58s
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Manage digital interruptions4m 19s
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Make the most of meetings2m 52s
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Follow up on delegated items2m 58s
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Become tech savvy4m 33s
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Focus on the person2m 37s
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Time management for students2m 59s
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Ending meetings with action1m 44s
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Building a not-to-do list2m 46s
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Avoiding the crowd mindset2m 58s
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Placing a value on your time3m 30s
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How to schedule a meeting3m 35s
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How to develop flexibility4m 19s
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The trouble with texting3m 48s
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Create a perhaps list4m 58s
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Reduce attention switches4m 46s
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Adapt your favorite app4m 33s
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Make time to get more time3m 49s
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Read vs. unread email3m 52s
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Make time to have fun3m 57s
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Create a morning ritual3m 23s
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When to create new homes3m 26s
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How to reduce spam3m 48s
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Why repetition saves time2m 48s
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Productive passwords2m 3s
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Productive web browser tips1m 51s
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Writing a productive email1m 55s
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Commit to your calendar1m 54s
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What to say instead of ASAP1m 46s
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Set voicemail expectations1m 43s
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Set email expectations1m 46s
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How to use an inbox1m 41s
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How to use an outbox1m 53s
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Video: How to use an outbox