I use my inbox to hold what is pending. 9 times out of 10, people don't leave things in my inbox but on the center of my desk, my chair, etc. I keep a to do list of things that I need to follow up on and check my inbox a minimum of once a day. I'm also a stacker. If something needs constant follow up, it stays on my desk next to my computer. That way, its constantly in my line of sight as a reminder I need to do something else when possible.
I don't believe in the handle it once policy simply because it is not possible with all tasks. Just because we are ready to work on a task doesn't mean the resources we need, be they people or information, will be available the moment we need them.
Michelle
