Why Live Communication Still Reigns Supreme
In today’s digital age, communication options abound. Emails, texts, instant messages – we’re constantly pinged, buzzed, and inundated with asynchronous communication. While these tools have their place, there’s an undeniable power in the often-forgotten art of picking up the phone and having a live conversation.
The Allure of Asynchronous Communication
Let’s face it, asynchronous communication offers a level of convenience unmatched by phone calls. We can craft perfect emails on our own time, avoiding the pressure of real-time interaction. This is great for complex topics requiring detailed information or for situations where schedules don’t quite align.
Recent research indicates that up to 80% of the workforce is considered “millennial.” This means they’re part of a generation that grew up with text messaging.
SMS is comfortable, simple, and convenient.
However, this convenience comes at a cost. Texts (and emails) often lead to a slow, back-and-forth game of digital ping pong. Clarification points take time, misunderstandings can arise through misinterpreted tone, and decisions get bogged down in an ever-growing email thread.
The Power of Live Conversation
Picking up the damn phone injects a much-needed dose of immediacy and clarity into the communication mix. Here’s why live conversation reigns supreme in certain situations:
- Building Rapport: Hearing someone’s voice fosters a stronger sense of connection and builds trust.
- Nailing Down Nuance: Phone calls allow for real-time clarification and eliminate the risk of misinterpreting tone or intent.
- Brainstorming and Problem Solving: Live conversations spark creativity and facilitate dynamic problem-solving that can be difficult in a linear email chain.
- Urgency and Action: Need a quick decision or immediate action? A phone call gets everyone on the same page instantly.
Finding the Right Balance
This isn’t a call to abandon email entirely. The key lies in using the right tool for the job. Here’s a quick triage guide:
- Use asynchronous communication for: Sharing information, requesting updates, setting deadlines, or when responses require either more detail or deeper thought.
- Pick up the damn phone for: Urgent matters, brainstorming sessions, clarifying complex issues, or building rapport. See also: Getting time-sensitive things done now!
The Bottom Line
Picking up the damn phone isn’t just about old-school habits. It’s about efficiency and effectiveness. It allows you to cut through the noise, build stronger connections, and achieve your goals faster. In a fast-paced business environment, sometimes that extra effort of picking up the phone is the difference between a stalled project and a huge win.
Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to break the ice with humor.
Acknowledge the prevalence of emails but emphasize the efficiency of a quick call. A lighthearted approach can go a long way in encouraging a more phone-friendly culture within your team.
Remember
In an age dominated by digital communication, the power of a live conversation remains an invaluable asset. So, the next time you’re facing a challenge or need a quick resolution, bypass the email and pick up the damn phone. Imagine what you’ll be able to accomplish.
