Time "Heist" Your Productivity

Even Ant-Man couldn't shrink this problem. That's the enormity of email overload. Overload disguised as a time-travel puzzle. Puzzle that could reclaim 95% of your lost hours..

Hey Ambitious Leaders,

Did you know that the very first email was sent back in 1971? I was reflecting on this the other day, thinking about how far we've come since then. I still remember the excitement when I sent my first email—back in the early 2000s. Fast forward to today, and the average office worker like you and me receives around 121 emails a day. It’s incredible how something so simple has become such a crucial part of our lives.

In this digital age, managing our inbox has become both a blessing and a challenge. With the sheer volume of emails we receive, effective management strategies are more important than ever. That’s where the "Inbox Zero" concept comes in, along with powerful systems like the CORD method.

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Your inbox is a reflection of your priorities. Shape it wisely, and it will shape your day—and ultimately, your legacy.

Let me introduce you to the CORD Method—your lifeline in the ocean of emails.

Developed by productivity expert Tiago Forte, the CORD method offers a systematic approach to managing information overload. For busy leaders like you, it's a game-changer - at least it has become one for leaders at Hermessi

Let's break it down:

C - Capture O - Organize R - Recognize D - Do

  1. Capture

Think of your inbox as a net, catching all incoming information. The key is to use a single email address for all work-related communication. This creates a central hub for your digital correspondence.

Example: Forward all work-related emails from other accounts to your primary address. Set up automatic forwarding rules to ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

  1. Organize

Once captured, it's time to sort. Create a simple, intuitive folder structure that aligns with your workflow.

Example:
@Action: Emails requiring your direct action
@Waiting: Emails where you're waiting on others
@Read Later: Non-urgent information to review
@Archive: Completed items for future reference

Pro tip: Use your email client's rules or filters to automatically sort incoming emails into these folders based on sender, subject, or content.

  1. Recognize

This is where your leadership skills truly shine. Recognize patterns, priorities, and important items that deserve your attention.

Example: Set aside 15 minutes each morning to scan your organized inbox. Identify critical emails that align with your top priorities or strategic initiatives. This is also an excellent time to spot emerging trends or issues that require your attention.

  1. Do

Action is the antidote to anxiety. Once you've recognized what's important, it's time to act.

Example:

Respond immediately to urgent matters

Delegate tasks to appropriate team members

Schedule time blocks for deeper dives into complex issues

Use the two-minute rule: If it takes less than two minutes, do it now

Implementing CORD in Your Daily Routine

7:30 AM: Capture - Check all accounts, ensure everything is in your primary inbox 

8:00 AM: Organize - Quick sort into folders (use automated rules when possible) 

8:15 AM: Recognize - Identify top priorities and emerging issues 

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Do - Address urgent matters, delegate, and schedule

Repeat this process 2-3 times throughout the day, adjusting the timing to your schedule.

The CORD method isn't just about managing email—it's about reclaiming your time and attention. By implementing this system, you're not just clearing your inbox; you're creating surge for strategic thinking and leadership.

Remember, as a leader, your approach to email sets the tone for your entire organization. Master your inbox, and you master your day.

Catch you all in the next one…

Hoyin Cheung,

P.S. Share this newsletter with your friends—it’s a quick task that only takes a moment but makes a big difference. 😉

P.P.S. I'm always here for a chat, a debate, or a brainstorming session on how to make this the most valuable piece of mail in your inbox. Hit reply or DM me on LinkedIn or X and let me know what you think, what you're struggling with, or what success looks like for you. Let's surge the productivity you seek!