In parts one and two of this series we explored the idea of body language and voice inflection being a big part of effective communication.  We also explored the infinite differences among peoples perceptions.  In summary, I’d like to offer a business strategy that bucks the current trend of quicker, less personal business communication.

This current school of thought in business recommends that to be more efficient one should put the following policy in place:  don’t meet in person if you can use the phone, don’t call when you can email, and don’t email when you can use the company project management software.  I believe this is the exact opposite of what will work most effectively.

If you are a boss, owner, or manager it is even more important.  Your staff will misinterpret you and will not often speak up to clarify that misinterpretation.  They will remain quiet due to respect for your title, or due to fear for losing their job.  They will perceive you the wrong way and you will never even know it!

Do you notice that sometimes a simple email request gets more and more complicated and you end up saying “I guess we would have been better served and saved a ton of time if I’d have just picked up the phone and called.”  Ever send a group email that gets out of control and goes down many paths that you did not intend?  Ever say “wow, I should have waited until our weekly staff meeting to introduce that idea.”  Ever use the words “don’t do anything with this information yet, but,” and have everyone trying to figure out what to do with that information?  Many times not replying at all to an email or call is interpreted as significant, and usually significantly negative.  Take the time to reply with a word of thanks and appreciation.

Go against the current business thought and use the following guide:  never email when you can make a personal call, and never call when you can have an eye-to-eye conversation.   Take the time to do it right.  It’ll pay off big in the long run.