A few weeks ago I shared that I am forcing myself to disconnect from e-mail with the exception of 3 times a day.  Here are some observations on how it’s going:

1. E-mail takes up more time than you think.

Between each “checking time” I received an average of 31 emails, with the fewest being during my longest no-check time (overnight).  This was fascinating to me, as I was shocked to learn that I’m receiving an average of 93 e-mails per day!  If each email takes 1 minute to read, we’re talking about devoting over an hour and a half just to reading, not responding to e-mails each day. If you’re a classroom teacher, that’s planning time along with lunch each day. (Note: Having been a classroom teacher, the number may not have been 93 a day, but it wasn’t 5 either).

2. Sending Fewer E-mails

By not opening up e-mail, I sent far fewer e-mails.  Given the amount I receive, I’m sure those I send e-mail to have enjoyed the fewer e-mails – even if it was just one or two less from me. See #1 for why this is important.

3. The big one: I spent more time than ever in classrooms.

Before I started my “3-a-day” experiment, I felt like I spent a ton of time in classrooms – but with it – I spent just over 32 extra minutes a day in classrooms.  This alone is enough to take pause.

BONUS Observation:

I picked up the phone and actually talked to people more, or went to their classrooms to chat.  This was truly incredible (not being dramatic).  The relationships you build face-to-face will always be deeper than those over e-mail.  The words you use face-to-face will always be more authentic than e-mail.  The body language and facial cues you receive back in face-to-face moments are non-existent through e-mail.

Just a quick update for today, next time I’ll share how this worked with “emergencies,” how I navigated it with those who expected an immediate response, my productivity, and if it’s something I think I can take on long-term.