Don't be a tool

I believe it was Jerry Seinfeld in one of his stand-up routines. He made the point that we are so connected today - with ubiquitous email and cell phones - that the shower is really the only place where we can't be reached.

"Yeah he's six feet away, naked and wet. We can't reach him. You're going to have to call back."

Some people feel completely tethered to their email or phone, letting the workday have no end - The "Crackberry" Phenomenon.

Some companies are having "meeting-free" days or "email-free" days in an effort to boost productivity. I'm not sure that's the answer. After all, if email and meetings aren't making you more productive, why have them? Instead, here are some tips for managing email and making sure your meetings are productive.

Henry David Thoreau wrote over 150 years ago "Men have become the tool of their tools." Email, meetings, and the telephone are your tools. You own the tools. Don't let them own you.