In Person Communication is a Beautiful Thing

Jessica writes that the constant barrage of information from cell phones, pagers, Blackberries and laptops makes it impossible to communicate face-to-face with people anymore.  She feels that she’s always competing for attention with colleagues’ outspoken family of devices, and that she can’t get a word in edgewise.

I’m sure Jessica isn’t the only one feeling this kind of frustration.  If you want to build strong workplace relationships, make a habit of being mentally present for everyone you deal with.  This means actually listening to what she is saying, focusing on him rather than everything else going on in the room and ignoring electronic interruptions.

In-person communication is a beautiful thing.  When someone comes to your office or cube, decide right then and there if you have time to talk.  If you don’t, say so.  If you do have time, but only a little bit, ask if it’s enough.  You don’t necessarily have to drop everything for the person, but once you make the commitment to have a dialogue, be respectful.  Remember that her time is important too and give her your full attention.  Doing this will set you apart from the scores of employees who believe that sitting across the desk from another person means you’re communicating

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Comments

[Megan Gentille, LaSalle Network]

Totally agree. In the age of emailing someone who sits right across from you, instead of walking your lazy bones the five feet to their desk, in-person communication is slowly becoming a thing of the past. Don't let the age of technology stifle your personal relationships. A few minutes, face-to-face, can be 10 times more productive and fulfilling than an all-day email exchange. Just because we have the capability to electronically "connect" with others at any time, doesn't mean we should.

[Alexandra Levit]

@Megan: Thanks so much for the comment. Appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.

[Dan Erwin]

Many of my clients who are client relationship professionals are very resistant to using email for conversation with their clients. They insist on phone and regular face-to-face meetings. They have found what I've argued for a long time: email is dangerous, it is profoundly open to misunderstanding,in some relationships can easily set you up for liability issues--and should be kept to the minimum. My architectural clients are in complete agreement--and have maintained that stance as much as possible.

Lawyers also refuse to put much in email for the same reasons.

Senior execs tend to keep email at a minimum, meeting times, confirmations, etc.

These same lessons apply to interpersonal relationships of nearly any kind. The less put in email the better.

I discuss the importance and value of face-to-face and nonverbal here: http://bit.ly/1PQKZF

[Alexandra Levit]

@Dan E: Thanks for the link. In this litigious society, one really should be careful about real or virtual paper trails. Thanks for making that point.