One of our lawyers was complaining about his iPhone failing to notify him when e-mails arrive. His comment started us talking about how he manages his e-mail.

He explained that he looks at his phone every time an e-mail arrives. He gets notified with each arriving e-mail. He gets a notification more than 100 times per day—lots more.

He told me that he needs to know when e-mails arrive. He’s constantly arranging details that require his immediate attention, he explained.

He’s a good, smart, effective litigator. He’s well on the way to being a master of the universe. He’s in charge of his cases, his clients, and his life.

But who sets the agenda for him? Who decides his priorities from moment to moment? Who determines where he’ll focus his sharp, ambitious, aggressive mind?

Anyone who sends him an e-mail decides.