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Outlook Tasks

Is there any info or recommendations for getting the most productivity/time/task management out of Outlook, specifically the Tasks functionality?

I recently got a new position at work and my productivity/time/task management needs have just increased dramatically. Unfortunatly I don't think I have the bandwidth now to implement something as complex as GTD system, however I wanted to use the tools currently available to me now(Outlook) in the best way possible.

Thanks in advance. joe

Banzai Bill's picture

Works for me...

Joe, I know what your feeling.

I'm not an accomplished GTD guru but have evolved over the past year. I have looked at plug-ins and other software but don't think that is the way to go. There is something to be said for understanding technology and NOT using.

I have created 4 task folders based upon the book. Next Actions, Projects, Waiting for/delegated and someday/maybe. This is where I dump my head, note cards, etc... If emails come in I process them to one of these task lists, my calender or delete. The Move to Folder function is pretty tasty. People aren't kidding when they say that there is no substitute for the Weekly Review. This is the time when I hit these lists again. The trick for me is to not review these lists daily, just the next actions IF needed. This works well for me. I place the next actions that I am working on for the day/week on a note card or tablet and get to work. The great thing about the the tasks is that you can use this to review the work completed for any specific period of time. Works well for monthly and annual reporting. You might be surprised how much is on your plate and what you have completed.

I print a weeks worth of Outlook daily schedules and the next 2 months in the page/month view. This helps me wind down one week and ramp up for the next and forces me to perform the review. There is something to be said for rituals.

Good luck,

Bill

Mac Homeboy/Windows Work

 
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