✒ Some practical tips by Tim Harford to free us from the perceived governing rules of etiquette, and improve our productivity to get things done instead.
In sum:
1. Use the tools that many email programs offer
E.g. If you want to send an email to a large group while ensuring that only you receive the replies, don’t type “PLEASE DO NOT REPLY ALL”. Make it impossible to do so by putting the group in BCC. Use “schedule send” to ensure your email arrives during office hours, no matter when you send it.
2. Be the change you want to see in the world
E.g. Change the subject line to give only relevant information. “Arrangements for AGM 8 July” ceases to be a good subject if the AGM has been moved to July 7.
It makes you a more pleasant person to work with. People will notice, and they may learn.
3. Clarify and decide
E.g. If action is needed, and it is brief and obvious, do it immediately. Otherwise, archive the email and note the project in a task manager, or even a simple text file. If the email is about a meeting, put all the details in your calendar.
But unless you want to give the entire world access to your to-do list, do not make the mistake of using your inbox as that list.