Savvy Miss: What is the most productive way to start the work day?
Dr. Lois Frankel: With exercise. It will provide you with the focus and stamina you need to get through a long day.

SM: How can people use e-mail more productively (and not let it take up so much of their day)?
LF: Schedule times when you pick up e-mail and close the e-mail file in between. It's a distraction so you should only check e-mail at scheduled times. Also, prioritize using sub-files. For example, create an “FYI” file—these are e-mails you've been copied on— and an “Action Required” file—these are e-mails that will need you to do something but not right now.

SM: What about instant messaging? Can it be a useful office tool or is it just a distraction?
LF: I don't like instant messaging. It's for friends and family, not business.

SM: What’s your advice for people to avoid distractions (phone, e-mail, gossiping co-workers)?
LF: It may sound counterintuitive, but to some degree you want to engage in distractions. By listening to co-workers, chatting at the proverbial water cooler and taking a few minutes to let people get to know you, you are building relationships that are critical to your career. But I'm talking about 10-15 minutes per day. If it goes beyond that you can always say something like, “You know I really want to talk to you, but I'm in the middle of a tight deadline. Can we catch up over lunch?” In other words, schedule the distractions at a time that is convenient for you.