Bringing Humanity Back to Email
A more productive and engaged version of you.
While exchanging emails with Adam Walker, a fellow Atlanta entrepreneur and friend, I noticed a message on the footer of his emails.
Having batched email communication for years, this seemed like a thoughtful solution to the fervent-mailers who expect a reply within hours or minutes. If nothing else, it properly sets expectations and outlines personal rules of engagement.
As I began crafting my own closing postscript, it seemed appropriate to touch on another topic I’m passionate about. While productivity is certainly a driving factor in batching my emails, amplifying the value of real human interactions surpasses mere efficiency. Limiting exposure to email allows you to me more present in daily life.
What kind of message does it send to someone across the table, in person, when you keep checking your phone? How about the disruptive nature of constant buzzing in your pocket or on your desk? How does it make you feel when others do it to you? We’ve all been in groups of people only to look around and see everyone staring at a screen. Why?
These questions prompted a shift in my behavior that continues to intensify. It’s led to disabling push notifications on my phone, scheduling do-not-disturb mode outside of 10am-5pm, and the Three Ring Rule. In short, the human in front of me deserves more attention than the machine in my pocket.
Whether you’re looking to be more productive, enrich in-person interactions, or just want to invite a little more peace into your life… try it out. Here is my current postscript to get you started. Copy and paste it exactly or create your own.
FYI… I use email differently. Prioritizing human interactions, I only check email twice a day and don’t have notifications enabled. I do however, work to clear my inbox at least once each day.
Namaste.
PS. If you‘re in, let me know or leave a comment. Sharing your custom postscript may inspire someone else.
