Is communication killing your productivity?

I’ve checked my email six times while writing this 100-word article, and I’m not alone. In a state of constant connection, it’s easy to go into communication overload.

But how do we simply get the job done, with a never-ending stream of emails and chat messages?

• Put your most important work first – dedicate an hour to those things that NEED to get done.

• Like your college professor, set office hours for yourself so others know your availability.

• Communicate with rapid bursts instead of lingered dialogue.

• Just as you would while sleeping, hang up that “do not disturb” sign.

— Erin O’Brien, 360 Media, Inc.