What do you think?
Rate this book
Total Workday Control Using Microsoft Outlook
Total Workday Control Using Microsoft Outlook is a book for the over-extended office worker whose workday feels out of control. It shows how to regain command of an over-committed workday and an overflowing, unmanaged e-mail in box. It does this by teaching the author's system of time, task, and e-mail management, and it shows how to implement the system in Microsoft Outlook.
398 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2005
208 people are currently reading
509 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 7, 2008
Okay, I know it is hard to believe.
I know it sounds ... well just creepy that I'd say it, but ...
This book has actually changed my life.
If you:
* use Outlook for your email
* get inundated with actionable items daily in your inbox
* have that never ending list of "to do" items playing through your mind like the credits of a full length action thriller that was filled in ten countries with a mention of every single person that even thought about helping in the production of it
Then this book is for you.
Get it. Read it. Read it all the way to Chapter 3 before you give up on it. Then try the method he describes.
Within the course of a week, I became much more effective and organized at work and the stress of wondering "what am I forgetting" at the end of each work day has all but completely lifted.
All of a sudden I have - really HAVE - control over the tasks that make up my professional life.
Like almost every powerful concept in life, this method is so simple it is almost embarrassing that I hadn't been doing it naturally before.
One word: Empowering.
I know it sounds ... well just creepy that I'd say it, but ...
This book has actually changed my life.
If you:
* use Outlook for your email
* get inundated with actionable items daily in your inbox
* have that never ending list of "to do" items playing through your mind like the credits of a full length action thriller that was filled in ten countries with a mention of every single person that even thought about helping in the production of it
Then this book is for you.
Get it. Read it. Read it all the way to Chapter 3 before you give up on it. Then try the method he describes.
Within the course of a week, I became much more effective and organized at work and the stress of wondering "what am I forgetting" at the end of each work day has all but completely lifted.
All of a sudden I have - really HAVE - control over the tasks that make up my professional life.
Like almost every powerful concept in life, this method is so simple it is almost embarrassing that I hadn't been doing it naturally before.
One word: Empowering.
February 14, 2021
Must Read for Leaders!
This is definitely one of those “game changing” books that I will be handing out to colleagues for years to come. If you work in a leadership position (or any position for that matter) where you are overcome with emails on a daily basis...this will help you to reign in the chaos. Can’t recommend this book enough!
This is definitely one of those “game changing” books that I will be handing out to colleagues for years to come. If you work in a leadership position (or any position for that matter) where you are overcome with emails on a daily basis...this will help you to reign in the chaos. Can’t recommend this book enough!
March 4, 2012
I purchased this book when my company upgraded to Outlook 2010 and all my previous settings were lost. I love Linenberger's approach and configuring the system is easy.
Having already bought into the system, I would rather have purchased a quick short list of configurations rather than having to work through the whole book again. Additionally, would be easier if he broke it into sections for 2010, 2007, 2003 and Mac 2011 separately (e.g. they each have their own sction) rather than smashing them togeteher in each chapter. It was difficult at times to figure of if I was in the right Outlook version configuration description. Perhaps better delineation (e.g. 2010 is marked with a blue bar, 2007, a red, etc) would have helped as well.
So the presentation lacks a bit, but the overall content of the book is fantastic and has made me considerably more productive since I started following this process a year and a half ago. Easy to set up, easy to follow.
Having already bought into the system, I would rather have purchased a quick short list of configurations rather than having to work through the whole book again. Additionally, would be easier if he broke it into sections for 2010, 2007, 2003 and Mac 2011 separately (e.g. they each have their own sction) rather than smashing them togeteher in each chapter. It was difficult at times to figure of if I was in the right Outlook version configuration description. Perhaps better delineation (e.g. 2010 is marked with a blue bar, 2007, a red, etc) would have helped as well.
So the presentation lacks a bit, but the overall content of the book is fantastic and has made me considerably more productive since I started following this process a year and a half ago. Easy to set up, easy to follow.
November 18, 2012
i took the 4 hour class, the book is mostly that class (with some more information). i have been using this system for a month and I would't go back. inbox zero means nothing to me (it is a great thing to other people), but a todo list that works is revolutinary!
the biggest change from every other system is this one acknowledges that we have more on our todo list than time to do things. It allows the less important to be put off: maybe done if you feel like it latter, maybe deleted if you find it no longer matters.
the biggest change from every other system is this one acknowledges that we have more on our todo list than time to do things. It allows the less important to be put off: maybe done if you feel like it latter, maybe deleted if you find it no longer matters.
January 30, 2020
Linenberger is a good salesman. By the end I knew that
* his system works with many versions of Microsoft Outlook,
* Miscrosoft Outlook was called in many ways and with a different number of words,
* the task system is one of many
* yet this is the only one that is not based on guilt
* any task system is made to fail if it doesn't automate task creation
At the end I had NO IDEA whatsoever is the miraculous trade marked system. Because the book is a mess of screen shots and sales talk and cross references. I start reading of how important is to set the task priority only to be derailed that I will find out more in the part 10 of the 12th chapter after the second page. I read about how Outlook can magically juggle with emails and tasks, and now a short publicity break: did you know that Linenberger's system is guilt free? I do, he told me so at the last commercial break as well.
So I have no idea what should I do, but I know that Mac users can't do it as easily.
* his system works with many versions of Microsoft Outlook,
* Miscrosoft Outlook was called in many ways and with a different number of words,
* the task system is one of many
* yet this is the only one that is not based on guilt
* any task system is made to fail if it doesn't automate task creation
At the end I had NO IDEA whatsoever is the miraculous trade marked system. Because the book is a mess of screen shots and sales talk and cross references. I start reading of how important is to set the task priority only to be derailed that I will find out more in the part 10 of the 12th chapter after the second page. I read about how Outlook can magically juggle with emails and tasks, and now a short publicity break: did you know that Linenberger's system is guilt free? I do, he told me so at the last commercial break as well.
So I have no idea what should I do, but I know that Mac users can't do it as easily.
June 8, 2018
This is an extremely helpful guide for making the desktop version of Outlook Tasks usable. If you do a lot of task management on a mobile device, I think you are better off setting up the system on another app with similar ability to filter by task priority & start date. Linenberger has another book that is not Outlook specific, but I think this one is better at showing you how to apply his ideas within a task management app. The only thing I don't find all that helpful about his system is that it is intended to manage only one-off tasks. If you also need to track routine tasks that can't be easily automated or put off, the book doesn't really address that and you probably won't be able to stick to the strict limits on the number of high/normal priority tasks.
October 7, 2017
His system for getting through tasks is immensely helpful - as well as being a great guide on how to get the maximum juice out of Microsoft Outlook.
However, the book is 400+ pages. So I'm guessing that if you're feeling overwhelmed enough by work to want to read something like this, then you might also be feeling too overwhelmed to read a book this size.
Still, it helped get things a lot clearer in my head!
However, the book is 400+ pages. So I'm guessing that if you're feeling overwhelmed enough by work to want to read something like this, then you might also be feeling too overwhelmed to read a book this size.
Still, it helped get things a lot clearer in my head!
November 24, 2018
This is I think the fourth edition of this book I’ve read. I keep upgrading to newer versions to keep up with the changes in Outlook.
This is the best version yet. Extremely comprehensive, the MYN system is (1) keeping my InBox EMPTY, and (2) giving me a way to make sure I’m working on tasks I need to work on.
The changes he has you make to Outlook are easy to implement. You’ll find yourself spending less time in your InBox, and more time working on Tasks. Very satisfying!
This is the best version yet. Extremely comprehensive, the MYN system is (1) keeping my InBox EMPTY, and (2) giving me a way to make sure I’m working on tasks I need to work on.
The changes he has you make to Outlook are easy to implement. You’ll find yourself spending less time in your InBox, and more time working on Tasks. Very satisfying!
October 5, 2018
This book provides a method for organising one's time & becoming more productive within the workplace, through the portal of Outlook.
There were some interesting concepts and I found his explanations and writing to be clear and well-articulated. I felt he didn't just provide concepts, but provided personal perspective & background to the development of the concepts.
There were some interesting concepts and I found his explanations and writing to be clear and well-articulated. I felt he didn't just provide concepts, but provided personal perspective & background to the development of the concepts.
May 12, 2019
Michael Linenberger's book is simple to follow and a game changer. With this system, I reduced my email inbox messages to zero for the first time ever. I eliminated over 100 folders in my PST file and now utilize quick steps to quickly organize messages. Tracking tasks and calendar items are now efficient and I no longer miss important suspense dates.
September 29, 2017
If you’re not bothered by blatant self-promotion, this book is great. I’ve implemented this system at work and my productivity has improved. Probably a good investment if you use Outlook and want to make the most of it.
October 18, 2020
Linenberger's a genius. This is not about saving time or being more efficient. It's about getting all that crap rolling around in your head of things you need to do to just stop. It's all in your Outlook and will pop up when you need it to, so you can forget it. He is the Outlook guru.
May 14, 2018
Highly focused on tasks.
May 22, 2018
This system is helping me to tame the Outlook dragon!
October 13, 2018
Great tips
Great tips! Easy to implement. Excited to see how they work! I always glean good tips from the Total Workday Control books.
Great tips! Easy to implement. Excited to see how they work! I always glean good tips from the Total Workday Control books.
January 31, 2020
I was disappointed that the system didn't use more Task features like macros and spent much of the describing version details.
March 22, 2024
Links no longer work
Links in this book on instructions are unusable and cannot be found on the website!!! Why purchase a book with half the stated information?
Links in this book on instructions are unusable and cannot be found on the website!!! Why purchase a book with half the stated information?
February 17, 2017
Finally, Outlook Tasks makes sense!
July 19, 2011
I felt I could better utilize my Outlook system at work, was recommended this book through a colleague on Yammer. I gave it a shot and really liked a lot of the principles. The book is detailed in the setting up of Outlook to the author's specs and also has an appropriate amount of background information to go with it. It synchronizes nicely with Getting Things Done by David Allen. It's nicely laid out so it is easy to find what you are looking for and skip what you don't want or doesn't apply to you. It gave edits for Microsoft Office 2002-2007. The switching between editions was a little tedious, but worth the effort in the end. I would recommend this book to any knowledge worker who feels behind in there work and feels they can better use outlook to manage it...you can!
__________________________
I am upgrading from 4 to 5 stars. I am still using this system 7 months later and still loving it! Definitely a life changing system/book (work life, anyway)! Highly recommend if you get a lot of emails and much work/tasks via email. I've recommended to colleagues who have also loved it.
__________________________
I am upgrading from 4 to 5 stars. I am still using this system 7 months later and still loving it! Definitely a life changing system/book (work life, anyway)! Highly recommend if you get a lot of emails and much work/tasks via email. I've recommended to colleagues who have also loved it.
February 27, 2013
The one thing that really stands out about this books is that it is realistic and practical. It recognizes things like most workers don't have the authority to just delete tasks, that you do have more on your to-do list than you actually can do, and due dates aren't stable, predictable or reliable. The fact that it uses Outlook is tied up with this mindset, as most people have Outlook at the office, and need a system that easily ties in with e-mails. So far I've just been applying the basic principles and system in Outlook and it has been working pretty well. Now I'm trying to figure out if I can apply it's guilt free technique to Asana, which at the moment is my solution at home.
One shortcoming, which isn't huge, had to do with the presentation of the book. I can't quite put my finger on it, but the layout wasn't a joy to read. Some of the explanations of the philosophy were a little too long, and the technical setup explanations could have been more brief. But then I'm the type of person who could have figured out the setup on my own by just poking around in Outlook. These are all minor complaints as so far the system is working well for me.
One shortcoming, which isn't huge, had to do with the presentation of the book. I can't quite put my finger on it, but the layout wasn't a joy to read. Some of the explanations of the philosophy were a little too long, and the technical setup explanations could have been more brief. But then I'm the type of person who could have figured out the setup on my own by just poking around in Outlook. These are all minor complaints as so far the system is working well for me.
April 13, 2007
I am a huge fan of Getting Things Done, but often have problems with runaway task lists. Have you ever been overwhelmed with TODO lists that are so long, you start keeping another TODO list that contains your really urgent stuff?
This phenomenon is well documented in Dwayne's blog post here: http://www.genuinecuriosity.com/genui...
This book remedies this with some surprisingly small changes to the Outlook task lists, and allows you to quickly empty your inbox, but also keep your tasks to a small number that allows you to focus on them and complete them.
Since then, I've been able to get my inbox to empty at least once every two weeks and get my tasks down to less than ten. I wrote a guest posting on Dwayne's blog here: http://www.genuinecuriosity.com/genui...
This book is very practical. David Allen's book is 50,000 ft. This book covers 20 ft to 10,000 ft.
This phenomenon is well documented in Dwayne's blog post here: http://www.genuinecuriosity.com/genui...
This book remedies this with some surprisingly small changes to the Outlook task lists, and allows you to quickly empty your inbox, but also keep your tasks to a small number that allows you to focus on them and complete them.
Since then, I've been able to get my inbox to empty at least once every two weeks and get my tasks down to less than ten. I wrote a guest posting on Dwayne's blog here: http://www.genuinecuriosity.com/genui...
This book is very practical. David Allen's book is 50,000 ft. This book covers 20 ft to 10,000 ft.
March 24, 2015
The title should tell you that this is a very niche book, but it may not prepare you for the very very specific system inside. For those who live in outlook, Michael Linenberger provides a highly-structured system for managing the neverending flood of incoming tasks disguised as emails. Once set up, the system auto-focuses on items that you need to do today specifically and this week in general, while those items that are 'over the near horizon' get hidden from the list. But don't worry, they are still there, and they will pop up on the list at a more appropriate time.
The only problem with this system is that it is extremely outlook-customized-specific, and none of the rules will traverse SMTP or POP. So if you have just one outlook running, this will work great. If you are syncing your email to multiple computers, (and your non-outlook phone) the system breaks down.
This aside, there are many good tips, tactics and outlook wisdoms here. Info on time-management, delegating tasks effectively and more. Highly recommended for those with a primary outlook inbox.
The only problem with this system is that it is extremely outlook-customized-specific, and none of the rules will traverse SMTP or POP. So if you have just one outlook running, this will work great. If you are syncing your email to multiple computers, (and your non-outlook phone) the system breaks down.
This aside, there are many good tips, tactics and outlook wisdoms here. Info on time-management, delegating tasks effectively and more. Highly recommended for those with a primary outlook inbox.
April 14, 2016
This book was great! I've been recommending it to people I work with. Using his techniques, I'm missing fewer emails, my inbox is consistently empty (or at least low) at the end of the day, and I'm saving a lot of time that I previously wasted searching through my inbox looking for emails that needed action, if I even remembered them. The use of Outlook tasks has made me much more productive. I don't stress about email. I sometimes stress about the number of tasks I have when that number grows large, but that's just because I've gotten used to keeping it to less than a dozen. The only thing this system doesn't do well (and that's a limitation of Outlook, not Michael's system) is large, complex projects, and I use Trello for that. Otherwise, this book has saved me a lot of time and stress and has made me more reliable, focused, and productive. I'm so glad I stumbled upon his book.
November 22, 2018
One Saturday night we were at Borders while waiting to pick up our daughter from a Bar Mitzvah party. About 10:00 pm I was in the technology section, found this book and sat down to browse through it. About 30 minutes later I owned it.
I'm not going to say I'm in a condition of Total Workday Control, but the book has changed how I use Microsoft Outlook. My inbox currently has one email in it. Read it, reply to it, set a follow up task, file or delete. Makes a lot of sense.
The tips on how to turn emails into tasks were alone worth buying the book.
I'm not going to say I'm in a condition of Total Workday Control, but the book has changed how I use Microsoft Outlook. My inbox currently has one email in it. Read it, reply to it, set a follow up task, file or delete. Makes a lot of sense.
The tips on how to turn emails into tasks were alone worth buying the book.
February 27, 2011
This book is ideal for anyone that receives 75+ emails per day with tasks to complete embedded in those emails. You must also use MS Outlook, preferably the most recent version.
This book is actually a methodology for managing tasks and emails and includes how to configure Outlook to be most productive.
Nothing will fall between the cracks any more and I would say that my personal productivity has doubled because of this book.
Highly recommend to managers in the IT world.
This book is actually a methodology for managing tasks and emails and includes how to configure Outlook to be most productive.
Nothing will fall between the cracks any more and I would say that my personal productivity has doubled because of this book.
Highly recommend to managers in the IT world.
July 27, 2012
I am not one to say "this book changed my life" but seriously - this one has. I've been using the system for about 3 weeks now, still adding layers and maturing my system, but the amount of stress this system has saved me is incredible. It's probably not for everyone - you have to be willing to get a bit geeky with Outlook. But I can't speak highly enough of how amazing this has been at helping me manage my inbox and my workflow.
February 26, 2013
If you have ever tried using Outlook's tasks to manage your to-do list but have found yourself overwhelmed with so many great ideas and too little time—in part because you spend too much managing your tasks—this is the book for you. I thought had a decent system of managing tasks and e-mail but just needed some tweaking. Then I read this book. It has step-by-step guides to implement an effective and unique system that understands how busy professionals deal with day-to-day work life.
May 20, 2013
I read this book and found that it was not a user friendly book for someone who was looking to learn how to use Outlook 2010. It is really a book that is geared towards the person that wants to organize their work life. If you want to learn how to organize your work life get this book. However, if you want to learn the Outlook 2003, 2007 or 2010 software this is not the book for you.
February 16, 2014
This book shows a workable way to manage work using Outlook which I implemented as part of a web class Linenberger gave. Two weeks in and I am loving it, but we'll see how long it actually works. My inbox is empty and I think I was getting measurably more done each day, but most of all I was having more fun! I love clicking off those tasks!
November 30, 2015
I am a total nerd for liking to read about a system to control a system. But with a few of my own tweaks this MYN system is giving me back a sense of control of my life and things I must do. I've just implemented this on my personal/family/side businesses and I am feeling so much less anxious overall.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews