AN EDUCATIONAL CUP OF TEA

Notifications overwhelm me. Those red circles taunt me until I can clear them, and don’t get me started on trying to clear them on an app that needs an update. They just sit there refusing to go away. I know this about myself, so I turn off all notifications except for email and communication apps. I also do not receive immediate notifications on my watch for all of the apps. This worked for a little bit. However, I now have so many communication apps I can feel my BP rise whenever I check my phone.

There are too many communication apps out there, and every organization/company/institution insists on its own. While these tools have made communication more efficient, they can also be overwhelming when trying to use them all. In this post, I’ll share my plan for scaling back and ask for recommendations going forward.

Currently, I have:

• Remind
• Slack
• Discord
• Mobilize
• GroupMe
• WhatsApp
• Marco Polo
• Mighty
• FB Messenger
• Clever for Parents

So what can I do to avoid the overwhelming nature of too many communication tools? “The key is to prioritize and consolidate” says the voice in my head. Instead of trying to use every communication platform out there, I should focus on the ones that are most important to me and my work. Then I remember that they ALL are important to me and my work. Ha ha ha. Maybe I should take advantage of the features that allow me to consolidate my communication.

Many platforms offer integrations with other tools, such as email or calendar apps. By using these integrations, perhaps I can centralize my communication and reduce the number of platforms I have to check. Furthermore, I need to start blocking time at least once a week to sit and reply to all the groups I participate in.

While communication platforms have revolutionized the way we communicate, they can also be overwhelming when trying to use them all. To avoid this, I know I should prioritize and consolidate my communication by taking advantage of platforms or features that allow me to centralize my communication.

Here is where I need some help: what tools do you use to consolidate communication tools? Is it an app? An add-on to email? What are some additional tips to help me manage all the communication tools in my life?

I would love any and all ideas. You may comment here or Tweet me @EduCroupe.

Today’s Tea: Kolkata Chai – I LOVE my chai but am very particular about it. This tea is everything! Highly recommend.