A Reversible Inbox. First IN... First OUT. Does it Make Things Worse?
By
Staten Island, NY Posted: 11/17/2014 1:00:00 AM
Just put those TPS reports in my Inbox. I'll get to them later... much later.
There are two trains of thought when it comes to using an Inbox for papers. First In, First out (FIFO) or Last In, First Out (LIFO). Take your pick.
Because of the way most Inboxes are made, most people basically use LIFO by default, because whatever you put in the box most recently is on top. Technically, you can debate the merits of LIFO vs FIFO, because sometimes the newest thing in your Inbox is potentially something happening right now... and maybe it's the thing you can react to the quickest.
For many people, the item at the bottom of the box is actually the most important, because it's been there the longest. So, you look for an Inbox that has a top, so you can flip it over and work from the bottom.
Perfect. Now your oldest thing is on the top again. What can go wrong?
If you work with other people. Everything. Unless you have a second Inbox, they will keep adding things to your Inbox. This means your newly re-sorted Inbox, which now has your oldest task on top, and you newest on the bottom has a mixture of new things on top and old things. In the end, your tops and bottoms will be done way out of order and the middle never gets done.
If you work alone, Just remember to flip it back over if you don't finish cleaning it out. Otherwise, you'll be in the same mess with old and new all over the place.
Joe Crescenzi, Founder
Related Media:
(Reply N/A) (Edit Topic N/A)
(Like Topic N/A) [0 ] 7017 Views
Related Posts
Productivity(72)
Top 25 Posts
* Note: The ideas on "Idea of the Day" were posted without any formal research into existing inventions.
In some cases, patents may already exist for these ideas, in other cases, there may not be any existing patents and you are free to develop and explore the viability of developing and patenting the ideas.
The authors make no claim that any of the ideas are safe, practical, or suitable for any particular purpose. You are responsible for the results of trying, developing, patenting or using any of the ideas on this site.
For some people, our ideas are just an interesting read, but our goal is to encourage you to take action. If you see an idea that you like, do something with it... Take action.
- Joe
Idea of the Day!
on...