Tame information overload: 10 ways to increase productivity with technology.(Selected Topic)

Information overload causes a lot of workplace stress--too much e-mail, voice mail, Internet connections, electronic reports, digital images, cell phones, text messages, pagers, PDA reminders, laptops, PowerPoint presentations, recorders, MP3 players, bridge lines, video conferences, teleseminars and much more. How do savvy leaders sort through the noise and capture exactly what they need to succeed?

We've always had more information than we could possibly digest. Technology has helped us overcome the traditional problem of finding the data we need, and technology can help us control and access knowledge in ways to make it meaningful.

Good leaders and managers are all knowledgeable of technology resources. They surround themselves with experts if they cannot embrace the entire scope of their assets, just as they depend on experts in finance, sales and manufacturing.

Successful leaders don't suffer information overload because they know how to manage data as well as they know how to manage any other aspect of business. It's safe to say that managers who do suffer information overload are actually a victim of "technology underload"--an inability to keep up with the tools available.

Every good leader must show a willingness to be prepared in these 10 areas.

1. What's In Your Toolbox?

Not every company can have the latest in hardware and software, but do you know what is being used in your own company and among your customers, competitors and suppliers? Get a complete list of what's working and what's not. Get your own experts to brief you and everyone else in your organization.