I am sure I am not alone in recognising that sinking feeling when the inbox, paper mountain and flashing answer phone together threaten to overwhelm us with the sheer volume of things that we feel we have to get done.
There is much that could be written about how to prevent this situation happening, but here I want to offer a few thoughts on how to cope when it does; which, despite the best laid plans and most careful strategies, it assuredly will from time to time. This is by no means an exhaustive response (hardly, after all, what you need when already feeling overwhelmed), but hopefully it will at least start the thinking.
Don’t always respond to the loudest voices. Just because they make the most noise does not necessarily mean their issue or demand is the most important, whatever they may tell you.
Give yourself time to prioritise. The temptation is to launch in to the in box / tray / pile, doing what is on top first and so on. However, take some time first to find out what is there and to sort into some kind of order.
Match the work to your productivity schedule. Do difficult or complex things when you are fresh and leave some of the more routine or boring stuff to when your mind is not at its sharpest (or the coffee has run out).
If you need to some help in handling this kind of situation, or would like to talk about ways you can ensure it doesn’t happen as often as it seems to be doing, contact me