How to handle future tasks with no specific date?

  • Thread starter Thread starter jddqr
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jddqr

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Hi,

My boss just told me that he wants me to handle email from a particular client a little bit differently while he is on a business trip next week. How do I incorporate this into GTD?

I could put something on the calendar next week, but when I'm processing the email I may forget and process it normally, instead of the special way that my boss wants me to handle the email for that week.

Any advice??

Thanks!
 
We may be able to present better ideas if we had more details about how you normally handle things and how your boss want's you to handle this particular client. However, without that information, here is the first thing that comes to mind:

GTD is all about getting things off your mind, putting something in front of the door so that you will be reminded when you need it. You can probably do this in your email client by setting up a rule to have all emails from this client automatically go to a particular folder that you create for them. You can place a message in that folder with instructions on the proper way to handle items come in there. That may keep you fom handling this client's emails just like all the others.

Good luck!
 
How about a completely low tech solution. Stick a post it note to your monitor regarding processing instructions. That way you can process your email as normal & will have the reminder for the special incident right there to jog your memory.
 
Although I like Rick's idea, I was thinking the same thing about the post-it note on the monitor....low tech and in your face (unless the post-it comes unstuck and falls under your desk).
 
jmarkey said:
I was thinking the same thing about the post-it note on the monitor....low tech and in your face (unless the post-it comes unstuck and falls under your desk).
Click to expand...

I hardily agree that a post-it would work well for someone that doesn't already have anything stuck to their monitor. If the environment is quite clean, however, it may not be seen when needed.

I do have some frequently accessed reference material on my monitor, but no reminders. Oh, I do have one panel from an old Dilbert too! Dilbert is talking to Dogbert and says, "Lately, the only thing keeping me from being a serial killer is my distaste for manual labor." Dobert replies, "You''re preaching to the choir." I know that if I taped "reminders" to my monitor that I would grow completely numb to them within a day or so, and definitely by the end of the week. The same goes for motivational signs in my cube. :D I have to change them frequently. David's advice from the GTD Fast CDs about keeping morivaitonal quotes in your tickler file is much more effective.

Sorry. I know I've majorly digressed here. :lol:
 
Thanks everyone.

I figured out that an Outlook Rule would probably be a good fit. I created a rule "If you get email from this person, flag it". Hopefully the little red flag will ring a bell in my head. :)

Thanks again!
 
jddqr said:
Thanks everyone.

I figured out that an Outlook Rule would probably be a good fit. I created a rule "If you get email from this person, flag it". Hopefully the little red flag will ring a bell in my head. :)

Thanks again!
Click to expand...

That sounds like an excellent solution. Maybe you can post again to let us know how it worked for you?
 
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