Inbox

I've been able to cope with management of the fast growing organization because I can manage my Inbox. However weird this may sound. But management is mostly about the ability to effectively communicate. Meaning expressing needs and expectations. But also responding to torrents of incoming needs and expectations of coworkers, customers and partners.

I hate nothing more than lost emails. When I write to somebody and the message gets lost in their black hole, I consider this disrespect. That is why I pay so much attention to deal with the incoming mail. I cannot believe so many people have trouble with this fundamental task.

It is a really simple set of rules to follow. But they have to be observed continuously. The first two are obligatory.

#1: Keep your Inbox shorter than one page. No scroll bars. You have to be able to read it with a single glance. The Inbox is what you owe to the others. Your commitments, not fulfilled (remember this when you look at your 700+ items long Inbox...).

#2: Do whatever you can to get to the #1. Meaning work through your email. If an item requires your answer, answer it and archive (=remove from the Inbox). If it does not require your answer, just archive it. Then loop to the #2 until you can get to the #1.

The next two are optional, but define your ability to manage others.

#3: If you are on CC or you believe somebody else should answer the email, keep it in your Inbox until it is answered. Set a timeout. If not answered on time, kick the person who should answer it.

#4: Once a week work through your Sent Mail and check if somebody should have answered you but did not. Archive all other items. This way your Sent Mail will contain only the items lost in your coworker's Inboxes.