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Rational Email Communication Policy It’s About Time How I Handle Email… |
If you’ve read my Policy Parrot entries at IT Toolbox, you know that I am not a big fan of strict policy without regard for circumstances. I refer to people who simply repeat their company policy as Policy Parrots because, like a parrot, they are simply vocalizing – repeating what has been said to them. There is no thought there.
Therefore, let’s call this an Email Communication Strategy…
After reading Tim Ferriss’ book, The 4-Hour Work Week, and having conversations with Laura about overall effectiveness – and my general inability to concentrate due to repeated interruptions, I’ve decided to cut the digital umbilical chord – and not check email on a constant basis.
I’ve included a rather lengthy addition to my email signature, explaining the change and how to best contact me – and when. Hint: contact me via email, like always, unless this is a critical, must-be-answered now type of things.
Must be answered now is not a narcissistic, “I’m very important, answer me right away.” situation. You are, without a doubt, very important to me. However, email is not for conversation – particularly back and forth exchanges with no useful outcome. To understand this more fully, read Ferriss’ book or check out this blog entry.
By the way, I fully understand and acknowledge that those interruptions were allowed by me – they are not the senders fault.
My basic strategy is to check email 2 times a day. However, I also understand that this is a fairly dramatic change from my prior pattern. Therefore, I will provide a weaning period – between now – 11/20/2007 – and 12/1/2007.
Technorati Tags: email, productivity, consulting, communicaitons, ferriss, efficiency
Matt Moran
Matthew Moran is a consultant, author, speaker, and songwriter.
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