Ignoring Emails: The Modern Dilemma of Inbox Neglect

Picture this: you’re sitting in your office, deep in thought, when suddenly, an unexpected visitor barges in and plops down in front of you. Awkward, right? But you’d probably say something like, “Hi, can I help you”?

So why is it that when the virtual equivalent occurs in the form of an email, we feel it’s acceptable to give it the cold shoulder? In our world of electronic communication, where Volvo-sized desktops have evolved into handheld smartphones, it’s time to ponder whether we can justify ignoring emails.

Spoiler alert: It’s not as easy as it seems. Join me as we go on a journey to uncover the mysteries of digital correspondence.

We live in an age where busyness is worn like a badge of honor (don’t get me started). From juggling deadlines to maintaining an impressive social media presence (follow me on Instagram!), our lives are filled to the brim. It’s REALLY tempting to use this as an excuse to ignore emails, believing they’ll magically disappear into the depths of our inboxes. But let’s face it, ignoring emails won’t make them vanish; they’ll just keep haunting you (like that creepy Smile movie) until you acknowledge them. So, let’s drop the charade of busyness and embrace the art of timely communication.

Here’s a fun fact: when it comes to replying to emails, A-listers and big corporations are way ahead of the game. They understand the significance of communication and the power of closing loops. Why bother ignoring a message when doing so only invites an influx of follow-up emails (I just wanted to push this to the top of your email)? By responding quickly, even if it’s a simple yes or no, these savvy communicators keep their virtual worlds in order. So, if the likes of Oprah Winfrey and Apple Inc. can make time for email etiquette, surely the rest of us can follow suit, right?

Now, let’s dive into the practical steps for mastering the art of digital communication:

• Firstly, set aside dedicated email time. Just 15 minutes a day can work wonders. Treat it like a power session, responding to emails, direct messages, and texts. It’s like your personal email spa, where you can pamper your inbox and emerge feeling refreshed and organized.
• Secondly, come up with your go-to response. When your bandwidth is low, having a patented reply can save the day. Craft a polite but firm message explaining your current commitments and suggesting reaching out again in the future. It’s efficient, respectful, and buys you some time while ensuring the sender doesn’t feel ignored.
• Lastly, be intentional. Remember, there’s a real person behind that email, and empathy goes a long way. Put yourself in their shoes and think about how you’d feel if your message was left hanging in digital purgatory. By practicing intentionality, you not only enhance your digital communication skills but also foster meaningful connections.

In a world where electronic communication reigns supreme, ignoring emails can no longer be brushed aside. The mirage of busyness clears, and we realize that timely responses are essential for effective communication. Taking inspiration from the masters of communication, we can steal their practices and become digital maestros ourselves.

By setting aside dedicated email time, developing go-to responses, and approaching each email with intentionality, we can navigate the digital landscape with grace and finesse.

So, the next time an email pops into your inbox, remember the human behind it and give them the courtesy of a timely response. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Luckily, Kendall Tichner responded to my email. Once I read her story, I knew that I needed to chat with her on my pod.

This week on #LinkedInPresents The Forbes Books Podcast, I talk to Kendall about how she fell in love with archery, how she built a loyal fan base on TikTok, and how she created Wild Captives, the first female and LGBTQ brand in the archery space.

Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a curious learner, or a fan of archery, you will find something valuable and inspiring in this conversation on?Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

Connect with me on?Twitter,?Instagram, and (of course)?LinkedIn. My book,?Good Listen: Creating Memorable Moments in Business and in Life, is now available at all your favorite bookstores.