SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 7
Lightning Talk: 
Is IO a matter of staffing? 
Nathan Zeldes 
Feb. 25, 2012
An interesting insight 
• “The problem is not the 200 useless emails; those I can clear 
in 30 minutes 
• “The problem is that once I’ve done that, there remain forty 
serious emails that each require me to make a decision; and 
I simply can’t make 40 quality decisions in a single day” 
- Senior manager at a Fortune 500 company 
Nathan Zeldes 2 
http://www.nathanzeldes.com
Nathan Zeldes 3 
http://www.nathanzeldes.com 
The question 
• Is the real issue* not the total amount of incoming messages, 
as we often assume, but the fact that our managers are 
expected to do more managing than they possibly can? 
In other words: 
• Did the organizational trends of the last 20 years result in a 
misalignment between the work at hand and the human 
resources we assign to it? Is Email overload just a symptom of 
an erosion in staffing? 
* - At any rate, for senior managers
What this could mean 
To cope with the 40 decisions a day, does our manager need: 
• An(other) administrative assistant? 
• A “Two in a box” co-manager? 
• More subordinates? 
• Less scope of responsibility? 
• All of the above? 
Nathan Zeldes 4 
http://www.nathanzeldes.com
Or is it None of the Above? 
We can’t ignore the possibility that: 
• More people might merely create more email 
(An extension of Parkinson’s law) 
• There may be better payoff in making the decision 
processes leaner (less approvals, more delegation of 
authority) so we go from 40 to 10 decisions a day 
Nathan Zeldes 5 
http://www.nathanzeldes.com
What we do know for sure 
• The current situation in many organizations is intolerable, and 
is particularly expensive where senior managers are driven 
into inability to cope 
• Something had better be done about it 
Any idea what that would be? 
Nathan Zeldes 6 
http://www.nathanzeldes.com
Thank you 
Nathan Zeldes http://www.nathanzeldes.com 7

More Related Content

What's hot

Northwest Indiana SHRM Keynote
Northwest Indiana SHRM KeynoteNorthwest Indiana SHRM Keynote
Northwest Indiana SHRM Keynote
Tweetajob
 

What's hot (15)

Top 10 Qualities of a Great Leader in the 21st Century
Top 10 Qualities of a Great Leader in the 21st CenturyTop 10 Qualities of a Great Leader in the 21st Century
Top 10 Qualities of a Great Leader in the 21st Century
 
BEYOND THE TREND REPORTS: 5 BEST PRACTICES FOR ENGAGING EMPLOYEES IN 2019
BEYOND THE TREND REPORTS: 5 BEST PRACTICES FOR ENGAGING EMPLOYEES IN 2019BEYOND THE TREND REPORTS: 5 BEST PRACTICES FOR ENGAGING EMPLOYEES IN 2019
BEYOND THE TREND REPORTS: 5 BEST PRACTICES FOR ENGAGING EMPLOYEES IN 2019
 
Create More. Tweak Less. Getting Back To Our Creative Core.
Create More. Tweak Less. Getting Back To Our Creative Core.Create More. Tweak Less. Getting Back To Our Creative Core.
Create More. Tweak Less. Getting Back To Our Creative Core.
 
The Museum Dashboard
The Museum DashboardThe Museum Dashboard
The Museum Dashboard
 
Senior mellon forum
Senior mellon forumSenior mellon forum
Senior mellon forum
 
Develop Better People Managers
Develop Better People ManagersDevelop Better People Managers
Develop Better People Managers
 
Communication hack fest-2018-final
Communication hack fest-2018-finalCommunication hack fest-2018-final
Communication hack fest-2018-final
 
This Friday Shift with the Design Lab
This Friday Shift with the Design LabThis Friday Shift with the Design Lab
This Friday Shift with the Design Lab
 
2020 State of Work - Overview & Key Findings
2020 State of Work - Overview & Key Findings2020 State of Work - Overview & Key Findings
2020 State of Work - Overview & Key Findings
 
Northwest Indiana SHRM Keynote
Northwest Indiana SHRM KeynoteNorthwest Indiana SHRM Keynote
Northwest Indiana SHRM Keynote
 
Enterprise Social Journey with Yammer by Joel Oleson
Enterprise Social Journey with Yammer by Joel OlesonEnterprise Social Journey with Yammer by Joel Oleson
Enterprise Social Journey with Yammer by Joel Oleson
 
7 Highly Successful and Effective Telecommuting Habits
7 Highly Successful and Effective Telecommuting Habits7 Highly Successful and Effective Telecommuting Habits
7 Highly Successful and Effective Telecommuting Habits
 
AZSHRM - Interdepartmental Relationships - Keep People and Departments Runnin...
AZSHRM - Interdepartmental Relationships - Keep People and Departments Runnin...AZSHRM - Interdepartmental Relationships - Keep People and Departments Runnin...
AZSHRM - Interdepartmental Relationships - Keep People and Departments Runnin...
 
Nexus it group lookbook
Nexus it group lookbookNexus it group lookbook
Nexus it group lookbook
 
What people analytics can't capture
What people analytics can't captureWhat people analytics can't capture
What people analytics can't capture
 

Viewers also liked

31 Reasons to Use Email Marketing (As Told By Small Business Owners)
31 Reasons to Use Email Marketing (As Told By Small Business Owners)31 Reasons to Use Email Marketing (As Told By Small Business Owners)
31 Reasons to Use Email Marketing (As Told By Small Business Owners)
Constant Contact
 
Sales Tips for Staffing: Cold Calling Best Practices and Voice Mail Strategies
Sales Tips for Staffing: Cold Calling Best Practices and Voice Mail StrategiesSales Tips for Staffing: Cold Calling Best Practices and Voice Mail Strategies
Sales Tips for Staffing: Cold Calling Best Practices and Voice Mail Strategies
DiscoverOrg
 

Viewers also liked (14)

Integrating Social into the Distributed Salesforce Staffing Enterprise
Integrating Social into the Distributed Salesforce Staffing EnterpriseIntegrating Social into the Distributed Salesforce Staffing Enterprise
Integrating Social into the Distributed Salesforce Staffing Enterprise
 
Information Overload and Innovation (in Hebrew)
Information Overload and Innovation (in Hebrew)Information Overload and Innovation (in Hebrew)
Information Overload and Innovation (in Hebrew)
 
LinkedIn Workshop for Search and Staffing Professionals
LinkedIn Workshop for Search and Staffing ProfessionalsLinkedIn Workshop for Search and Staffing Professionals
LinkedIn Workshop for Search and Staffing Professionals
 
Bdc whys and hows march 2007
Bdc whys and hows march 2007Bdc whys and hows march 2007
Bdc whys and hows march 2007
 
Warming Up Your Contract Staffing Cold Calls
Warming Up Your Contract Staffing Cold CallsWarming Up Your Contract Staffing Cold Calls
Warming Up Your Contract Staffing Cold Calls
 
31 Reasons to Use Email Marketing (As Told By Small Business Owners)
31 Reasons to Use Email Marketing (As Told By Small Business Owners)31 Reasons to Use Email Marketing (As Told By Small Business Owners)
31 Reasons to Use Email Marketing (As Told By Small Business Owners)
 
How to Design the Perfect Email in 2016
How to Design the Perfect Email in 2016How to Design the Perfect Email in 2016
How to Design the Perfect Email in 2016
 
Sales Tips for Staffing: Cold Calling Best Practices and Voice Mail Strategies
Sales Tips for Staffing: Cold Calling Best Practices and Voice Mail StrategiesSales Tips for Staffing: Cold Calling Best Practices and Voice Mail Strategies
Sales Tips for Staffing: Cold Calling Best Practices and Voice Mail Strategies
 
US Staffing Trends | 2015 Global Recruiting Trends
US Staffing Trends | 2015 Global Recruiting TrendsUS Staffing Trends | 2015 Global Recruiting Trends
US Staffing Trends | 2015 Global Recruiting Trends
 
How to Win the Recruiting Battle
How to Win the Recruiting BattleHow to Win the Recruiting Battle
How to Win the Recruiting Battle
 
50 Network Marketing Recruiting Methods
50 Network Marketing Recruiting Methods50 Network Marketing Recruiting Methods
50 Network Marketing Recruiting Methods
 
How to Write Emails People WANT to Respond to [Sales Template]
How to Write Emails People WANT to Respond to [Sales Template]How to Write Emails People WANT to Respond to [Sales Template]
How to Write Emails People WANT to Respond to [Sales Template]
 
How to boost inbound marketing success with content marketing, SEO and social...
How to boost inbound marketing success with content marketing, SEO and social...How to boost inbound marketing success with content marketing, SEO and social...
How to boost inbound marketing success with content marketing, SEO and social...
 
Lead Generation on SlideShare: A How-to Guide
Lead Generation on SlideShare: A How-to GuideLead Generation on SlideShare: A How-to Guide
Lead Generation on SlideShare: A How-to Guide
 

Similar to Is information overload a matter of staffing?

EO New Jersey Oct 2014
EO New Jersey Oct 2014 EO New Jersey Oct 2014
EO New Jersey Oct 2014
RESULTS.com
 
Digital Team Structure: The Foundation for Innovation
Digital Team Structure: The Foundation for InnovationDigital Team Structure: The Foundation for Innovation
Digital Team Structure: The Foundation for Innovation
NTEN
 
Do you want to be a manager (are you sure)
Do you want to be a manager (are you sure)Do you want to be a manager (are you sure)
Do you want to be a manager (are you sure)
Ron Lichty
 
Alex Pavlenko “How to achieve to organizational maturity nirvana and overcome...
Alex Pavlenko “How to achieve to organizational maturity nirvana and overcome...Alex Pavlenko “How to achieve to organizational maturity nirvana and overcome...
Alex Pavlenko “How to achieve to organizational maturity nirvana and overcome...
Lviv Startup Club
 

Similar to Is information overload a matter of staffing? (20)

The Misaligned Middle - Getting on board with Change
The Misaligned Middle - Getting on board with ChangeThe Misaligned Middle - Getting on board with Change
The Misaligned Middle - Getting on board with Change
 
The 5 Must-Avoid Collaboration Mistakes
The 5 Must-Avoid Collaboration MistakesThe 5 Must-Avoid Collaboration Mistakes
The 5 Must-Avoid Collaboration Mistakes
 
EO New Jersey Oct 2014
EO New Jersey Oct 2014 EO New Jersey Oct 2014
EO New Jersey Oct 2014
 
How to Market to your Prospects that are Making Work-From-Home Permanent | Ba...
How to Market to your Prospects that are Making Work-From-Home Permanent | Ba...How to Market to your Prospects that are Making Work-From-Home Permanent | Ba...
How to Market to your Prospects that are Making Work-From-Home Permanent | Ba...
 
There is always governance somewhere
There is always governance somewhereThere is always governance somewhere
There is always governance somewhere
 
Bringing new managers on board
Bringing new managers on boardBringing new managers on board
Bringing new managers on board
 
Professional Services Firm Veritec Reduces Email Traffic and Noise with Enter...
Professional Services Firm Veritec Reduces Email Traffic and Noise with Enter...Professional Services Firm Veritec Reduces Email Traffic and Noise with Enter...
Professional Services Firm Veritec Reduces Email Traffic and Noise with Enter...
 
Digital Team Structure: The Foundation for Innovation
Digital Team Structure: The Foundation for InnovationDigital Team Structure: The Foundation for Innovation
Digital Team Structure: The Foundation for Innovation
 
TEM April
TEM AprilTEM April
TEM April
 
People Analytics
People AnalyticsPeople Analytics
People Analytics
 
Building a Best Place to Work, through social collaboration, tibbr, sydney, f...
Building a Best Place to Work, through social collaboration, tibbr, sydney, f...Building a Best Place to Work, through social collaboration, tibbr, sydney, f...
Building a Best Place to Work, through social collaboration, tibbr, sydney, f...
 
Confronting the Ugly Truth of Poor Employee Engagement - How to Modernize You...
Confronting the Ugly Truth of Poor Employee Engagement - How to Modernize You...Confronting the Ugly Truth of Poor Employee Engagement - How to Modernize You...
Confronting the Ugly Truth of Poor Employee Engagement - How to Modernize You...
 
A manifesto for better organisations
A manifesto for better organisationsA manifesto for better organisations
A manifesto for better organisations
 
“What hr needs today a personal touch”[1]
“What hr needs today a personal touch”[1]“What hr needs today a personal touch”[1]
“What hr needs today a personal touch”[1]
 
3 Digital Hacks for Economic Development
3 Digital Hacks for Economic Development3 Digital Hacks for Economic Development
3 Digital Hacks for Economic Development
 
Enterprise social what is the real value to the business - sps philly - mar...
Enterprise social   what is the real value to the business - sps philly - mar...Enterprise social   what is the real value to the business - sps philly - mar...
Enterprise social what is the real value to the business - sps philly - mar...
 
Do you want to be a manager (are you sure)
Do you want to be a manager (are you sure)Do you want to be a manager (are you sure)
Do you want to be a manager (are you sure)
 
Alex Pavlenko “How to achieve to organizational maturity nirvana and overcome...
Alex Pavlenko “How to achieve to organizational maturity nirvana and overcome...Alex Pavlenko “How to achieve to organizational maturity nirvana and overcome...
Alex Pavlenko “How to achieve to organizational maturity nirvana and overcome...
 
Agile Australia 2014: Keynote - Embracing Disruption: You are your process
Agile Australia 2014: Keynote - Embracing Disruption: You are your processAgile Australia 2014: Keynote - Embracing Disruption: You are your process
Agile Australia 2014: Keynote - Embracing Disruption: You are your process
 
Rebooting the Team - Surge 2013
Rebooting the Team - Surge 2013Rebooting the Team - Surge 2013
Rebooting the Team - Surge 2013
 

Recently uploaded

unwanted pregnancy Kit [+918133066128] Abortion Pills IN Dubai UAE Abudhabi
unwanted pregnancy Kit [+918133066128] Abortion Pills IN Dubai UAE Abudhabiunwanted pregnancy Kit [+918133066128] Abortion Pills IN Dubai UAE Abudhabi
unwanted pregnancy Kit [+918133066128] Abortion Pills IN Dubai UAE Abudhabi
Abortion pills in Kuwait Cytotec pills in Kuwait
 
Insurers' journeys to build a mastery in the IoT usage
Insurers' journeys to build a mastery in the IoT usageInsurers' journeys to build a mastery in the IoT usage
Insurers' journeys to build a mastery in the IoT usage
Matteo Carbone
 
FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Mahipalpur Delhi Contact Us 8377877756
FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Mahipalpur Delhi Contact Us 8377877756FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Mahipalpur Delhi Contact Us 8377877756
FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Mahipalpur Delhi Contact Us 8377877756
dollysharma2066
 
Nelamangala Call Girls: 🍓 7737669865 🍓 High Profile Model Escorts | Bangalore...
Nelamangala Call Girls: 🍓 7737669865 🍓 High Profile Model Escorts | Bangalore...Nelamangala Call Girls: 🍓 7737669865 🍓 High Profile Model Escorts | Bangalore...
Nelamangala Call Girls: 🍓 7737669865 🍓 High Profile Model Escorts | Bangalore...
amitlee9823
 
Call Now ☎️🔝 9332606886🔝 Call Girls ❤ Service In Bhilwara Female Escorts Serv...
Call Now ☎️🔝 9332606886🔝 Call Girls ❤ Service In Bhilwara Female Escorts Serv...Call Now ☎️🔝 9332606886🔝 Call Girls ❤ Service In Bhilwara Female Escorts Serv...
Call Now ☎️🔝 9332606886🔝 Call Girls ❤ Service In Bhilwara Female Escorts Serv...
Anamikakaur10
 
Russian Call Girls In Gurgaon ❤️8448577510 ⊹Best Escorts Service In 24/7 Delh...
Russian Call Girls In Gurgaon ❤️8448577510 ⊹Best Escorts Service In 24/7 Delh...Russian Call Girls In Gurgaon ❤️8448577510 ⊹Best Escorts Service In 24/7 Delh...
Russian Call Girls In Gurgaon ❤️8448577510 ⊹Best Escorts Service In 24/7 Delh...
lizamodels9
 
Call Girls Hebbal Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service Bangalore
Call Girls Hebbal Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service BangaloreCall Girls Hebbal Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service Bangalore
Call Girls Hebbal Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service Bangalore
amitlee9823
 

Recently uploaded (20)

unwanted pregnancy Kit [+918133066128] Abortion Pills IN Dubai UAE Abudhabi
unwanted pregnancy Kit [+918133066128] Abortion Pills IN Dubai UAE Abudhabiunwanted pregnancy Kit [+918133066128] Abortion Pills IN Dubai UAE Abudhabi
unwanted pregnancy Kit [+918133066128] Abortion Pills IN Dubai UAE Abudhabi
 
Falcon's Invoice Discounting: Your Path to Prosperity
Falcon's Invoice Discounting: Your Path to ProsperityFalcon's Invoice Discounting: Your Path to Prosperity
Falcon's Invoice Discounting: Your Path to Prosperity
 
Insurers' journeys to build a mastery in the IoT usage
Insurers' journeys to build a mastery in the IoT usageInsurers' journeys to build a mastery in the IoT usage
Insurers' journeys to build a mastery in the IoT usage
 
VVVIP Call Girls In Greater Kailash ➡️ Delhi ➡️ 9999965857 🚀 No Advance 24HRS...
VVVIP Call Girls In Greater Kailash ➡️ Delhi ➡️ 9999965857 🚀 No Advance 24HRS...VVVIP Call Girls In Greater Kailash ➡️ Delhi ➡️ 9999965857 🚀 No Advance 24HRS...
VVVIP Call Girls In Greater Kailash ➡️ Delhi ➡️ 9999965857 🚀 No Advance 24HRS...
 
Cracking the Cultural Competence Code.pptx
Cracking the Cultural Competence Code.pptxCracking the Cultural Competence Code.pptx
Cracking the Cultural Competence Code.pptx
 
Uneak White's Personal Brand Exploration Presentation
Uneak White's Personal Brand Exploration PresentationUneak White's Personal Brand Exploration Presentation
Uneak White's Personal Brand Exploration Presentation
 
John Halpern sued for sexual assault.pdf
John Halpern sued for sexual assault.pdfJohn Halpern sued for sexual assault.pdf
John Halpern sued for sexual assault.pdf
 
Mondelez State of Snacking and Future Trends 2023
Mondelez State of Snacking and Future Trends 2023Mondelez State of Snacking and Future Trends 2023
Mondelez State of Snacking and Future Trends 2023
 
FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Mahipalpur Delhi Contact Us 8377877756
FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Mahipalpur Delhi Contact Us 8377877756FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Mahipalpur Delhi Contact Us 8377877756
FULL ENJOY Call Girls In Mahipalpur Delhi Contact Us 8377877756
 
Nelamangala Call Girls: 🍓 7737669865 🍓 High Profile Model Escorts | Bangalore...
Nelamangala Call Girls: 🍓 7737669865 🍓 High Profile Model Escorts | Bangalore...Nelamangala Call Girls: 🍓 7737669865 🍓 High Profile Model Escorts | Bangalore...
Nelamangala Call Girls: 🍓 7737669865 🍓 High Profile Model Escorts | Bangalore...
 
Call Now ☎️🔝 9332606886🔝 Call Girls ❤ Service In Bhilwara Female Escorts Serv...
Call Now ☎️🔝 9332606886🔝 Call Girls ❤ Service In Bhilwara Female Escorts Serv...Call Now ☎️🔝 9332606886🔝 Call Girls ❤ Service In Bhilwara Female Escorts Serv...
Call Now ☎️🔝 9332606886🔝 Call Girls ❤ Service In Bhilwara Female Escorts Serv...
 
Katrina Personal Brand Project and portfolio 1
Katrina Personal Brand Project and portfolio 1Katrina Personal Brand Project and portfolio 1
Katrina Personal Brand Project and portfolio 1
 
How to Get Started in Social Media for Art League City
How to Get Started in Social Media for Art League CityHow to Get Started in Social Media for Art League City
How to Get Started in Social Media for Art League City
 
Russian Call Girls In Gurgaon ❤️8448577510 ⊹Best Escorts Service In 24/7 Delh...
Russian Call Girls In Gurgaon ❤️8448577510 ⊹Best Escorts Service In 24/7 Delh...Russian Call Girls In Gurgaon ❤️8448577510 ⊹Best Escorts Service In 24/7 Delh...
Russian Call Girls In Gurgaon ❤️8448577510 ⊹Best Escorts Service In 24/7 Delh...
 
Call Girls Hebbal Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service Bangalore
Call Girls Hebbal Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service BangaloreCall Girls Hebbal Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service Bangalore
Call Girls Hebbal Just Call 👗 7737669865 👗 Top Class Call Girl Service Bangalore
 
BAGALUR CALL GIRL IN 98274*61493 ❤CALL GIRLS IN ESCORT SERVICE❤CALL GIRL
BAGALUR CALL GIRL IN 98274*61493 ❤CALL GIRLS IN ESCORT SERVICE❤CALL GIRLBAGALUR CALL GIRL IN 98274*61493 ❤CALL GIRLS IN ESCORT SERVICE❤CALL GIRL
BAGALUR CALL GIRL IN 98274*61493 ❤CALL GIRLS IN ESCORT SERVICE❤CALL GIRL
 
Call Girls Zirakpur👧 Book Now📱7837612180 📞👉Call Girl Service In Zirakpur No A...
Call Girls Zirakpur👧 Book Now📱7837612180 📞👉Call Girl Service In Zirakpur No A...Call Girls Zirakpur👧 Book Now📱7837612180 📞👉Call Girl Service In Zirakpur No A...
Call Girls Zirakpur👧 Book Now📱7837612180 📞👉Call Girl Service In Zirakpur No A...
 
Phases of Negotiation .pptx
 Phases of Negotiation .pptx Phases of Negotiation .pptx
Phases of Negotiation .pptx
 
It will be International Nurses' Day on 12 May
It will be International Nurses' Day on 12 MayIt will be International Nurses' Day on 12 May
It will be International Nurses' Day on 12 May
 
RSA Conference Exhibitor List 2024 - Exhibitors Data
RSA Conference Exhibitor List 2024 - Exhibitors DataRSA Conference Exhibitor List 2024 - Exhibitors Data
RSA Conference Exhibitor List 2024 - Exhibitors Data
 

Is information overload a matter of staffing?

  • 1. Lightning Talk: Is IO a matter of staffing? Nathan Zeldes Feb. 25, 2012
  • 2. An interesting insight • “The problem is not the 200 useless emails; those I can clear in 30 minutes • “The problem is that once I’ve done that, there remain forty serious emails that each require me to make a decision; and I simply can’t make 40 quality decisions in a single day” - Senior manager at a Fortune 500 company Nathan Zeldes 2 http://www.nathanzeldes.com
  • 3. Nathan Zeldes 3 http://www.nathanzeldes.com The question • Is the real issue* not the total amount of incoming messages, as we often assume, but the fact that our managers are expected to do more managing than they possibly can? In other words: • Did the organizational trends of the last 20 years result in a misalignment between the work at hand and the human resources we assign to it? Is Email overload just a symptom of an erosion in staffing? * - At any rate, for senior managers
  • 4. What this could mean To cope with the 40 decisions a day, does our manager need: • An(other) administrative assistant? • A “Two in a box” co-manager? • More subordinates? • Less scope of responsibility? • All of the above? Nathan Zeldes 4 http://www.nathanzeldes.com
  • 5. Or is it None of the Above? We can’t ignore the possibility that: • More people might merely create more email (An extension of Parkinson’s law) • There may be better payoff in making the decision processes leaner (less approvals, more delegation of authority) so we go from 40 to 10 decisions a day Nathan Zeldes 5 http://www.nathanzeldes.com
  • 6. What we do know for sure • The current situation in many organizations is intolerable, and is particularly expensive where senior managers are driven into inability to cope • Something had better be done about it Any idea what that would be? Nathan Zeldes 6 http://www.nathanzeldes.com
  • 7. Thank you Nathan Zeldes http://www.nathanzeldes.com 7