Unsubscribe from 'Zero Inbox': CEOs Should Not Play Email Tetris

One of our executives recently recommended I use Superhuman to streamline my email and task management workflow. Having previously only briefly looked into Superhuman, I decided to revisit the software. After several minutes spent archiving and organizing emails, it became clear that these efficiency tools are not tailored for a CEO focused on the larger picture.

?In most successful enterprises, it's imperative for the CEO to concentrate solely on the company's primary goals. The pursuit of an empty inbox, which entails constantly deleting, archiving, and unsubscribing, is an enormous distraction for busy CEOs—yes tech nerds, even with hotkeys. It redirects their attention to minor tasks rather than the overarching strategic objectives of their company.

?CEOs receive a blitz of emails daily, with the vast majority not necessitating a reply. Often, I find that a brief review of the email's subject and opening line is sufficient. The additional action required to open each email and decide its fate can lead to decision fatigue, diminishing the energy that should be reserved for my primary objectives.

?The optimal use of a CEO's time is to direct efforts toward initiatives that significantly impact the company's key goals. If a CEO's primary focus is to enhance the company's revenue, increase profits, and recruit top talent, they should not be engaged in the ‘Zero Inbox’ nerd ritual. The mere seconds it takes to process each email accumulates to a considerable amount of time wasted over a day—time that could be better spent on activities of great importance.

?The ‘Zero Inbox’ approach, alongside tools like Superhuman, might be beneficial for COOs or those in meticulous roles within the organization. CEOs, who are tasked with keeping an eye on the big picture, should maintain their focus on high-level priorities and leave these so-called productivity enhancements to the more detail-oriented staff.