I have recently returned from a few days away from my desk with predictable results.
The post pile and the inbox loomed and the temptation was to commence battle immediately!
We so often see our inbox as the enemy (see ‘too much information‘). Either we surrender, leaving messages unanswered or ignored; or we take on the challenge, battling on through until victory is won and the inbox stands at nil before we can start anything else. As someone who was brought up in era where it was considered impolite not to reply to correspondence, the latter may be tempting, but is not necessarily wise.
Just as in any other project. good results are achieved by good planning. A few tips:
1. If it’s junk mail and / or stuff that you don’t want; don’t just delete it, but unsubscribe (for printed material return to sender, asking them to remove you from the mailing list)
2. Prioritise the important rather than the interesting.
3. Read the whole story before you reply. This may be the whole email thread or the whole of a longer email / letter.
4. Apply the two minute rule. If you can deal with it within two minutes, do so!
5. Once you dealt with it delete/file it.
If you would like more help on tips for managing a busy inbox, please contact me