"Reactionary Work Flow"

In Making Ideas Happen, Scott Belsky coins the term "reactionary work flow." He writes, 

"The state of reactionary work flow occurs when you get stuck simply reacting to whatever flows into the top of an in-box. Instead of focusing on what is most important and actionable, you spend too much time just trying to stay afloat. Reactionary work flow prevents you from being more proactive with your energy."

This is especially true in any frontline, customer/consumer focused position. If you aren't careful, the messages that show up in your inbox, voicemail, twitter, facebook and/or physical office could eat up your entire day.   

Conclusion: reacting to stuff is a big part of work. But so is being proactive. You have to remember not to neglect the latter.