The Utility and Pitfalls of ‘Schedule Send’ in Email Correspondence
In the halcyon days of email’s inception, before the ubiquitous presence of smartphones, it served as an asynchronous communication tool. Messages were composed and dispatched, awaiting the recipient’s convenience to access their computer, read the email, and formulate a response. The advent of push notifications and the near-constant connectivity have accelerated the send-response cycle. This can be advantageous in some instances but can also be a source of stress and anxiety.
Consultant Kevin Eikenberry implores individuals to judiciously employ the “schedule send” feature, which empowers users to compose emails at their convenience while ensuring delivery at a time that aligns with the recipient’s schedule. By refraining from sending emails, particularly a flurry of messages, during non-business hours, individuals can avoid disrupting the work-life balance of their colleagues.
However, Eikenberry cautions that “schedule send” may inadvertently tempt users to extend their work hours, knowing that their actions will not immediately impact others. Moreover, it is essential to maintain moderation when utilizing this feature to prevent overwhelming recipients with excessive messages.
amidst the email frenzy, consultant Lisa Kohn has observed an alarming trend: individuals responding to emails without fully comprehending their content. She notes that recipients often fail to address questions or provide pertinent information, indicating a lack of thorough reading. This can have serious repercussions, leading to decisions based on incomplete or erroneous information. Kohn emphasizes the importance of deliberate email consumption to minimize miscommunications and enhance decision-making.
To combat the frenetic pace of email exchanges, Kohn offers four strategies for cultivating slower, more mindful practices:
1.
Embrace Slowness:
Kohn underscores the importance of slowing down, particularly when rushing from task to task. She advocates for building “slowness muscles” by consciously practicing deliberate movements and actions.2.
Considerate Schedule Send:
Kohn echoes Eikenberry’s recommendation to use “schedule send” judiciously, not only for its benefits but also to avoid creating additional overload for others.3.
Active Reading:
She stresses the significance of active reading, encouraging individuals to engage fully with the content of an email before crafting a response. This includes carefully considering the message, identifying key points, and ensuring that questions are addressed and essential information is included in the reply.4.
Mindful Email Composition:
Kohn encourages individuals to avoid impulsively sending emails. Instead, she suggests jotting down notes or reminders to discuss pertinent issues during designated communication times, such as meetings or phone calls.By adopting these strategies and embracing a more mindful approach to email communication, individuals can mitigate the stresses associated with constant connectivity and contribute to a more productive and balanced work environment.
