Author sez "don't check your email for the first hour you're at work. Instead, immediately tackle a high-priority task" Not sure if I can kick this habit. I check my mail in bed when the iPhone alarm wakes me. - Steve Rubel
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I think I'll have to agree with him, although, I too would have a hard time not checking my email in the morning... - Danielle Closs
Then the boss says "Did you get my email about not doing that High-Priority Task I sent you last night?" - L0GiX
I tried it and actually got a lot more productive but then I travelled a bit and got out of the habit, but if you have the discipline, it does work. - Sally Church
Check it, but RESPOND later if it is not truly urgent - Susan Beebe
Managing things by putting them off may not be the most effective approach, nor will it get at the root of the issue - Jeff McNeill
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I've realized that I get derailed as soon as I check the email. Best if I wait until 9 or 10 am to check it. - Sandra Fernandez
I try to get one task out of the way first thing but it's hard...I always feel like I'm missing something important - Al Stevens
Automatic mail sorting is important. Don't let anything end up in your inbox unless it's important. Everything else should be tagged and read later. (some tags I only deal with once a week or even less often) - April Russo
Tim Ferriss also gives this advice in his book! - Loic Le Meur
oh yeah, THAT would really fly with my co-workers - Jeff Woelker
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I was allowed to install Mozilla Thunderbird in my office, so I star everything that needs immediate assistance. - Helen Sventitsky
sure and I'm going to start working without two espressos too - Trevor Cook
i tend to do this: dont check feeds or social sites before 11. Check email for any urgent stuff, flag all the others by type/context (Outlook flags) for review after 11 or after lunch. Push to get meetings set between 3 and 5. Dont always succeed, but 8 to 11 are prime hours for me. I am working or spending time in 1:1 or small meetings with the team, only on things that matters i.e. is about actionable things that are on the current plan. Most people have learned to adapt. - Joelle Nebbe
I often don't check my email for days, does that count? ;-) - Duncan Riley
They might as well tell me not to drink a cup of coffee before starting work. Or to not check Twitter, FriendFeed and NewsJunk. Where were they 30 years ago when I was forming all these habits! You know how hard it was to quit smoking! That's enough quitting for one lifetime. :-) - Dave Winer
completely agree. My strategy is to check mails after putting 2-3 of work. Some of my friends do other way around. They clear mail box early in the morning in one hr and than come back to it only after lunch... - sameer guglani
That would be the 2nd google project this week to be canned. They even start to listen to their clients!!! Maybe the crisis is worth for sth :) getting google to listen - Jaap Willem
Looks like it still lives but you have to opt-in to the 'experiment' - AJ Kohn
Jaap, how do you figure they don't listen? They've been good for that for me. - Tanath
Damnit, SearchWiki is gone. I never even really got to play with it. :( You can join the experiment on the labs page, but when searching it says "The experiment you're trying to access is no longer available." - Tanath
Such a tempest in a tea cup. This whole episode has zero relevance outside the tech-o-chamber. - mrshl
Easy come, easy go, i kinda liked it actually - Majento
i never figured out how to see more than 10 comments when some sites had 100's - Kyle Weller
Hm, it's back, but I can't see anyone else's comments. :-/ - Tanath
maybe they are going to make this where you only see the comments of people you connect with? I just tested it out leaving two different comments from two separate google accounts and I can only see my own comment, but I can't see the second comment. Dumb. - Laura Norvig
MIchael, this is your wish. But it won't happen. You spread wrong news, and I guess it's on purpose. I use this function, and find it the best. And yes your sites will be commented. - Ryo
@tanath I think they don't listen to numerous things, for example the new design of iGoogle and as well loads of request to give more openess about their acquisitions, for example Jailku.. but I think my most important point was that they start to think faster and are more serious about cutting money and making some good product instead of an other experiment. I love them as well, but this was affecting loads of people.. - Jaap Willem
READ IT: It did NOT VANISH. Still there forever ! - Ryo
@ryo yes Ryo, that's why I wanted to provide that link another time.. I commented in the first place when it was still broken.. thanks for pointing out though.. - Jaap Willem
NICE! I've been looking for a recipe for ranch seasoning mix for a while now. This recipe gives instructions for how to make the dry seasoning mix plus two ways to make the actual dressing (one lower fat, one not) - Stupid Blogger (aka Tina)
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What's amazing about the article and the blog here is although we recognize the US auto industry is linked to massive future interests: manufacturing/merchandising during crisis/war times, US defense systems, global market share, competing with China's exponential expansion, protecting the "cool" American image and promoting the US through our greatest brand recog (US cars), labor costs and all issues involved, disassembling of unreasonable unions, nationally recognizing the transportation crisis and reciprocating with increasing gas costs...I find it odd that we face a huge butterfly effect by letting detroit crumble and most people seem to be against the bail out. Shouldn't saving Detroit be priority with so much at stake?? - Ebm
For most people I don't think the issue is whether we save Detroit or not. The issue is how. For example, I would not give money to a homeless drug addict and expect them not to use the money to support their habit instead of paying their rent. - scott anderson
The other thing that's interesting here for me is "our" reactions to Detroit failing. We blame everyone but ourselves. It's the CEO's jet setting around the country, it's poor innovation, lack of electric cars, union labor costs, production of "crappy" cars...well who will finally stand up and point at the American consumer? The consumers that made a Toyota sedan the #1 selling car in the US. What's leading now..Honda and Toyota. Bail out Detroit and then what...Americans keep buying foreign cars? - Ebm
@Scott....I see your point, but what other options do we have? Aside from long term plans like Scoble's (and I agree that restructuring needs to happen and heavy changes need to be made), is there really a viable solution that would work fast enough to save Detroit (other than the proposed google buying gm to forge g-moogle's - that's just ridiculous to me:) - Ebm
I'm in favor of Chapter 11 for the Big 3, raising the gas tax, and applying that revenue for a 21st century moonshot. Perhaps a national version of this vision ... http://www.sfgov.org/site/mayo... - scott anderson
Ebm I think you under-estimate the US auto consumer. Build me a truly world class sedan that has the performance, features and build quality to which I have become accustomed, and I'll buy it. Notice I mentioned nothing about price. Or fuel economy. Currently the domestic nameplates offer me nothing worth considering. The Camry/Accord are 1 and 2 because, just like a refridgerator, they just work. - Mark VandenBerg
@Mark, ah but isn't that the definition of loyalty? Ford will always be in my heart and regardless of what they put out, even if the competition is "better" than a Ford, I will always buy and proudly drive a Ford product. As far as world class sedans, foreign car companies have the luxury of releasing, testing, reworking, and perfecting their product for years before hitting the American market. And you'll notice their consumers were always loyal to their products. For years when American auto makers were building superior products, there was no foreign market simply because consumers were reluctant to buy foreign cars. So the real question here (maybe) is how do we determine what a "better" product is and draw the line btw this and brand loyalty? - Ebm
I'd like to think that we could generate all our power from the universe (solar, wind, tidal, geothermal) but I am repeatedly told that this is not realistic. - scott anderson
Ebm: Put another way: I have a 5 year old large sedan that I will be replacing in March/April 2009. I have become used to things like automatic shades, radar cruise control, heated washer nozzles, massive horsepower etc... Oh, and all maintenance covered by the manufacturer, is a real nice perk. It's a cash deal, no lease, no financing... What domestic product is there for me to consider? - Mark VandenBerg
Robert,
I'm sorry you've had a poor experience in Ford vehicles. I'd be interested to know what you define as "crappy." The excellent Ford Flex that you noted is a crossover not an SUV, btw. :)
You're wrong about Ford not innovating. Innovation comes from much more than creating an electric car, which seems to be the idea that you're fixated on. Let me see if I can enumerate the innovations at Ford that I'm aware of:
- Ford's vehicle mix was about 70% trucks & SUVs (largely because we were giving people exactly what they demanded in times of cheap gas); we have restructured to produce 60% cars & crossovers.
- We're changing over some of our truck & SUV manufacturing facilities to become car plants, with the flexible manufacturing capability; that is, if we need to change from car to truck or back again, it can be done in a matter of hours rather than a matter of months.
- We're using our successful European & South American manufacturing models to bring the more of those outstanding small cars to the U - Scott Monty
Scott works for Ford and I think it's most awesome that he took time to answer on a Saturday. - Robert Scoble
@Scott Monty: What ever happened with Ford's experiments with hydrogen fuel cells? - scott anderson
Mark: Check out the Cadillac CTS or for blow your doors off power the CTS-V. I drive a bimmer but I've recently driven the CTS and I'd seriously consider one if I were in the market. Nice quality and fit and finish. That said, I think Ford is best positioned for when things turn around. It seems they're retooling faster and their CEO has a track record of success at Boeing. I'm optimistic in the long run. - Peter Simard
@Mark, buy an S80 AWD Turbo and then let me borrow it :) - Ebm
@Scott Monty...you are my new hero, thanks for the awesome post! - Ebm
Peter, agree with you all the way, CTS and STS are AMAZING sedans with power and handling that crushes any BMW, Audi, Suburu, or Mercedes in my opinion (especially with the CTS V pushing an insane almost 600 hp). If this isn't a world class sedan, I'm not sure what is. - Ebm
@Ebm and @Peter The CTS-V and the S80 are both very capable mid-size sedans, for certain. I have never owned a Cadillac but I have had good experiences with Volvo in the past. I have heard good things about the new CTS-V and also the ownership experience. I am replacing a 750iL and prefer to stay with comparable sized sedans. I share both of your enthusiasm for Ford as a company. I think by crashing before the economic correction they are in the best position of the three. - Mark VandenBerg
The problem with threads and articles like this is that they're full of anecdotes. "I drove this and it rocked." "I had this car and it sucked." Come on - look at the facts in aggregate - US auto brands have the lowest reliability and resale value of any of the other major carmakers. It's been true for a generation now. Yes, we all have a great-aunt whose 1982 Ford Escort lasted forever. But extrapolating global truths from such anecdotes? Can you be serious? - Anthony Citrano
And it's not the workers - it's the companies. American workers can make a perfectly excellent Toyota in Kentucky, but for some reason we can't make a decent Ford in Detroit. Hmm... wonder where the problem lies? - Anthony Citrano
@Anthony, the beauty of this particular thread is the discussion of the auto industry crisis, global implications, and potential solutions spanning broad horizons dipping even into the future of alternative energy sources. If you read through the article, comments on the blog post, and the responses, you'll find that Robert not only discusses the issue at hand, but also potential solutions and the causes of these issues. Scott who works for Ford posed restructuring steps that Ford has taken and commented on Ford's innovations. Peter offered American sedans that easily compete with foreign sedans. Mutliple others like Chris and Scott A posed q's on add'l innovations from the big three. I didn't see the introduction of an "anecdote" until your comment. Have you read through everyone's contributions? - Ebm
I have to say I really enjoyed reading Roberts article, and all of the comments afterwards. It's a great way to engage people in understanding some of the nation's (and indeed world's) major issues, and I firmly believe that this is the way the majority of us will move forward in the future. Education and knowledge is empowering, and the more we all know and can learn about an issue, and understand it, the more we can interact in better ways to deal with it, in whatever positive way we can. - Ian May
I sure did, Ebm, but thanks for the scolding. If you missed them, sorry. - Anthony Citrano
Now that "Japanese" cars are now designed in California and assembled in Ohio, it seems pretty obvious that the problem with the American car companies is their management and/or corporate culture. - Gabe
"GM should shut down many of its lines and many of its brands. Do a real house cleaning. Why do we need Saturn, Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Chevy? We don’t. Pick two, get rid of the rest.
Agree." - Steve Garfield
Zee: Maryam is an English Lit graduate and Milan Candera is her favorite author. Plus I keep promising I will take her to Milan someday. - Robert Scoble
Lovely...might keep that one a potential for my kid one day :) - Zee.
Milan Kundera you mean? You did name your kid after him... - Harish V
That is so weird. I remembered the part about you promising to take her to Milan and that was a reason for the name b4 I read it. So, um, when are ya gonna pony up Papa? Anniversary? You'll have to change your story then to "plus I promised her for 5 years I'd take her to Milan and then I finally did and then...we got Fiji the puppy and...." ;) (I made that last part up for fun) - TheMacMommy
Lucky for us Lucian is past the crying part but Frank made him laugh and go all nuts in a little two year old spaz attack kind of dance. Not sure if that was good or bad. ;) - TheMacMommy
"The Washington Post columnist and Clinton sceptic, David Ignatius, added: "The idea of subcontracting foreign policy to Clinton, a big, hungry, needy ego surrounded by a team that's hungrier and needier still, strikes me as a mistake of potentially enormous proportions." It is a view that many around the President-elect now share." - Sean McBride
I think this may be a case of "keep your friends close but keep your [potential] enemies closer." I think he should have tapped her for health care as that was something she was passionate about and something they had more closely-aligned views on - I hope this doesn't come back to bite Obama. - Abby Martin
"By appointing Mrs Clinton, some aides fear the new president will also water down his commitment to withdraw quickly from Iraq, to talk to leaders of rogue states and to get tough with Pakistan, all policies Mrs Clinton has spoken out against." - Sean McBride
I disagree. I saw Hillary speak at Microsoft and she was brilliant. I think we are underestimating her. - Robert Scoble
Give the woman a chance. This is like Limbaugh's "Obama Recession" meme. - Phil Boiarski
Don't underestimate her ability to promote an agenda that is entirely at odds with Obama's campaign promises last spring. She's already put the scenario of "totally obliterating" Iran on the table. That is why the hawkish DLC faction in the Democratic Party lobbied to place her in charge of the State Department (and Rahm Emanuel in the chief of staff slot). - Sean McBride
I think she is going to be a team player because it will be in her best interest to do so. The clout and respect she brings to the job will serve our country well with the issues that face us around the world. In fact I think the Clinton legacy is enhanced with a successful Obama presidency. If she fails and causes problems in the administration it will only hurt the their legacy. - Derek Forrest
It is too early to say, of course, but I am reminded of Roosevelt's "Speak softly and carry a big stick." Perhaps Obama will speak softly, and will use Rahm Emanuel and Hillary Clinton as Big Sticks :-D - Karim
The exact title of this article: "Barack Obama's aides believe he has made a mistake in hiring Hillary Clinton" They aren't speculating about the situation from a distance. - Sean McBride
It'll be interesting to see how she juggles SoS and running a Presidential election campaign against her boss... - Mark VandenBerg
Clinton isn't going to run in '12. That's not how things are done. Unless the incumbent president makes it clear he's not running again (has that ever happened?), the party doesn't field a new candidate. Clinton can only run in '16. - Anika Malone
Mid level Staffers ( during the campaign) let down because they will be further and further from the inner circle the closer and closer it
gets to inauguration, slink off to coffee and start bemoaning their loss of self importance to an eager press by blasting the boss. Now there's a story. - David HC Soul
Obama is sitting on the brink of an economic disaster that will make 'stagflation' and 'gas lines' of the 1970s look tame by comparison. And back in 1980, Teddy Kennedy ran against a sitting President of his own party, losing, but setting forth a precedent I'm sure Hillary would follow if in 4 years things are worse. I think this is keep her under your wing so she doesn't try to fly on her own. - Andrew Leyden
It seems entirely plausible to me that this was Clinton's request and reward for finishing her primary campaign when she did, which, although it was rather late in the season, she could have continued contesting. It may be that Obama feels he can afford to give her this post-- that he believes she'll stay in line. As far as her credentials go, she's perfectly capable, as far as being a politician goes, though I personally disagree strongly with her center-right positions (not that Obama isn't right behind). - Sean O'Hanley
Sean, I do think that it is early to already name what she has not yet done. But the fact that there were and perhaps will be some critical differences in their policy conduct, especially in matters of foreign policy, remains a fact. Let's hope that results stemming from their decisions would at least not oppose to what Obama promised in his election campaign, - Hayk
That two aides think he made a wrong choice is still not enough to make a general conclusion considering that these were his aides in election campaign, not necessarily foreign policy experts and strategists. But admittedly, there might arise financial conflicts of interest if/when Clinton undertakes smth using their foundation to conduct government related activity. - Hayk
I think the press, especially British press, often love to make conflict & drama out of everything. I also question the assumption that Hillary Clinton is always motivated only in a self serving way. I feel more inclined to give her and Obama the benefit of the doubt here. There are also positives about her being Secretary of State, It irks me that strong, capable women are still often judged as being power hungry, manipulative and other negative stereotypes that are not held in the same way against men. - Cathryn Hrudicka
Hillary should have been given another portfolio instead of State Dept. - imran
Who bloody well cares when gossipy aides say? Are they in charge, or Obama? I think that's clear. - Chris Baskind
Clinton's appointment to State did surprise me, but she can handle the job and will follow Obama's policies. (Obama has never been as dovish as some want to believe.) I just hope speculation about in-fighting, Bill's activities, etc. don't foster continual distractions. - Marvin Smith
