Knowing when to type and when to talk

I have a rule I work (and live) by. If after two emails to someone there is still confusion about a project, a proposal, a creative direction or whatever I might be working on, I either pick up the phone or walk over to the person’s desk and have a conversation. No more emails, no texting…a real, honest to goodness conversation. We’ve all experienced the effect of texting and emailing and the resulting decline in face-to-face conversations. It’s getting pretty quiet out there. But if we want to avoid misunderstandings, miscommunications and outright errors, we can’t lose the value of a conversation.

Should we throw out texting and emailing altogether? Of course not. Technology is a great thing and makes it possible for us to stay connected more than ever. FaceTime, GoToMeeting, Skype have revolutionized the long-distance meeting, allowing us to have virtual face-to-face conversations with clients, coworkers, family, etc. Texting and emailing also have many benefits. But there are times in business, and in life, when technology is a poor substitute for a real conversation. Communication is an essential element to success in business and happiness in life. That’s why it’s so important to know when to type and when to talk.

Barry LaBov

LABOV Marketing Communications and Training

www.labov.com