Rational Email Communication Policy/Strategy

Rational Email Communication Policy It’s About Time How I Handle Email…

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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.

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