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More on Email and IQ

A week ago I wrote about sobering research into the damage done to our IQ by reading email. Since then, a friend pointed out (in person, not by email) a post at Duct Tape Marketing.

In it, writer Zane Safrit pointedly states, “Email’s not the elephant in your office. It’s your reaction to email.”

He suggests these steps, among others:

Close your email program while you’re working on a project, ESPECIALLY, while you’re at a meeting.

DON’T start the day reading email. Start the day on your important projects. Then just before lunch read email.

Pick up the phone. Talking is so much more rewarding than email.

Get a cat. Play with them every morning. It’ll leave you less time to read email.

Do you have other suggestions for improving our focus and intelligence? Email me!

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By Lynn Gaertner-Johnston

Lynn Gaertner-Johnston has helped thousands of employees and managers improve their business writing skills and confidence through her company, Syntax Training. In her corporate training career of more than 20 years, she has worked with executives, engineers, scientists, sales staff, and many other professionals, helping them get their messages across with clarity and tact.

A gifted teacher, Lynn has led writing classes at more than 100 companies and organizations such as MasterCard, Microsoft, Boeing, Nintendo, REI, AARP, Ledcor, and Kaiser Permanente. Near her home in Seattle, Washington, she has taught managerial communications in the MBA programs of the University of Washington and UW Bothell. She has created a communications course, Business Writing That Builds Relationships, and provides the curriculum at no cost to college instructors.

A recognized expert in business writing etiquette, Lynn has been quoted in "The Wall Street Journal," "The Atlantic," "Vanity Fair," and other media.

Lynn sharpened her business writing skills at the University of Notre Dame, where she earned a master's degree in communication, and at Bradley University, with a bachelor's degree in English.