How CEOs Handle Their Emails: Debunking the Myths

Introduction

In the digital age, the volume of emails received by CEOs has skyrocketed, leading to various misconceptions about how they handle their inbox. This article aims to address these myths and provide insights based on my firsthand experience and observation of my colleagues up to 2000 employees, as well as my own stance as a Founder and retired CEO of a large company.

Do CEOs Respond to Their Emails Personally?

The notion that CEOs personally respond to every email they receive is largely a myth. While there are instances where CEOs like me, and those I know, do read and respond to our own emails, it is an uncommon practice, especially in larger companies with over 2000 employees. In my case, and in the experience of other CEOs I know, having a specific assistant handle the emails is the norm. This assistant helps manage the influx of emails by routing them to the appropriate departments and ensuring that action items are assigned to the right individuals.

For instance, some of my colleagues use a light filtering system where their assistants screen incoming emails. The filters are not rigorous but help in triaging the emails. However, in most cases, the weight of emails can be overwhelming, making it impractical for a CEO to read and respond to each one personally, even with a streamlined filtering process.

Does Having an Assistant Make CEOs Lazy?

Another myth is that relying on assistants to handle emails makes CEOs lazy or less hands-on. This is far from the truth. I, as the founder and retired CEO of a large company, have always advocated for an efficient and well-structured workflow. I have never claimed to respond to each email personally, and I know that few CEOs do, considering the sheer volume of emails.

The reality is that managing a company involves numerous tasks, and responding to emails is just one of them. A competent CEO focuses on strategic thinking, decision-making, and overseeing the overall direction of the organization. Our assistants play a vital role in managing these emails, which frees up our time to focus on more critical issues.

What Is the Process for Email Management?

The process of email management in large companies can vary, but it typically involves a structured system. In my case, a staff member or an inutive assistant routes each incoming email to the most appropriate department or individual. The assistant is well-versed in my preferences and ensures that emails that require my attention are prioritized. For example, if an email has a specific code in the subject line, it indicates that I am the sender, ensuring that it bypasses the usual filtering process and lands directly in my inbox.

Many CEOs I know have developed their own methods for dealing with emails. Some forward emails to the relevant department and then archive them with a reminder to follow up. Others use automatic filtering and batch sorting, while still, others take the time to respond to everyone who has reached out to them. The key is to find a balance that works for the company and the individual CEO's style and needs.

Conclusion

The myth surrounding how CEOs handle their emails is widespread but, as we have seen, often inaccurate. CEOs in large companies like mine trust their assistants to manage the email load, focusing on the strategic and critical aspects of their role. By debunking these myths, we can better understand the efficient and effective ways in which modern CEOs operate in the digital age.