How to Manage Information Overload

Getting drawn into the detail of all the information available wastes a lot of time. Managers feel that they have to keep up with the information in order to perform well, resulting in burn-out for them.

Here are some tips to keep your head above water when it comes to information overload:

1. Be in control

You need to decide what your boundaries are and create a system of managing information that works for you. This could mean setting limits on the time spent on replying emails, filtering emails or replying to those emails that are of high importance. Also, it is important to identify time-wasting information and look for alternatives. For instance, try to request for summaries of long reports or minutes of meetings so that you are focused on the crucial information at hand.

 2. Look for information efficiently

Focus on data or information that is relevant to the task or project. Too often, we are sucked into irrelevant information because we do not know where to draw the line. Another tip is to build up a list of preferred places for researching information such as a library in a professional body or some useful go-to sites. This will keep you from hunting for information aimlessly and be subjected to a whole bunch of distractions.

 3. Learn to say ‘no’

Limit your availability. Not being able to switch off from the need to absorb information can be exhausting. Resist the need to check your mobile phone every few minutes or whenever a new message comes in. Allow calls to be diverted to your voicemails. Lock your door and put up a sign that you do not wish to be disturbed for a stated period of time. It is times when you learn to say no that you can truly say yes to things that are genuinely important.

 4. Regulate information

Decide on how much time you will spend in researching information at a single setting. For instance, telling yourself that you have only 20 minutes to gather data on a particular topic and switching to the next task ensures that you stay on track and focused.