I am making an email shift today.
One that I have gone back and forth on for a while now.
I am…having my assistant process my emails for me.
We have worked on a system where I will still have accessibility to them, yet she is going to help me with the ones that:
a) I don’t need to read (negative or overly critical without a redemptive purpose) and or
b) Those that she can answer for me (no we are not going to send you $10,000 dollars from Lifecentre).
Believe it or not, this decision was a challenge for me. I love being the one to respond and touch base, yet at the same time, with my new role – I have to do a better job of guarding my heart and my productivity. I am a sensitive guy and sifting through unnecessary criticism can get me off course.
Another thing this does – it provides me with a greater level of accountability. In 2007 I started a file where I keep all the email I respond to. It has helped me tremendously on a few occasions. In one instance I was "accused" of saying something in an email that I did not. I simply asked the person for the date I sent the email, and in a matter of seconds I had sent them a copy of our email conversation – an apology was quick to follow.
For me, this is just the wise thing to do.
Don’t hesitate to email me, the response will be the same, just the process is different.
That’s to bad. I will have to revise my “needing $10,000.00″ template a bit. lol
Awesome!! Now if only I could get a spam filter like that.
)
Pastor Jason
I fully understand the need to protect your spirit. I do find it quite unfortunate though. Im not so sure I want anyone screening my emails to others. So I hope you get a personal email address
I find it so sad that so many people take time to invest in being critical. That is heartbreaking to me. I think it is very important that we are diligent in how we share with people. Like I tell my kids…people are not for hurting.
I am not sure if I should post this though…it may sound critical to people who are being critical…hmmmm.
OK…how about this…Come on guys. I know we are caring people. I know we can be very careful in how we relate and share with others. I believe in you all. Lets be the Light of Christ for each other and others.