Multitudinous communication options going sideways!

I am but a mere humble maker of handmade art cards with a distant corporate past; commenting on all things communicative.  With so many communication options available, effective communication seems more challenging than ever.

We all have different styles of communication; the upfront and personal style, the “I hate emails and texts,” or the polar opposite, “text or email work, talking is a waste of time.”  Successful communicators blend personal touch with electronic magic, knowing which to use at the right time.

The no talk, all electronic 24/7 approaches make clarification and remedying ambiguity challenging.  When communication breaks down, there is a quick need to blame our devices for not doing their jobs.  We give excuses like, “Reception was bad,” or, “the dog ate my phone.”  We are good communicators - our devices make bad choices.  With me so far?

With multitudinous communication devices available, it has become far too easy not to respond or follow-up.  We send an electronic message and say to others, and ourselves “I sent a (fill in the blank), all done.”  Personal and professional confrontation and culpability are dodged with a quick press of the send button.

Just recently I had a legal document that needed same day expediting.  An email was sent before the office opened, with an explicit notation, “must be complete today, driving all day, can’t do email, please call for missing details.”

 Hours later I find an email requesting a call back but no other information.  Upon returning the call, I found that the employee sent the email and left the office without offering options or alternatives.  With persistence a solution was found.

I am an over communicator (it can be annoying).  If I need information and if I know someone else needs information from me, I try one approach and keep going.  Because we live in a world of “no, impossible, can’t be done,” negotiations take communication exertion and drudgery.  Giving up after the first, “no,” or, “it can’t be done,” is not an option these days. 

Recently two business acquaintances had a very spirited debate via email.  A phone call made at the start of the difficulty would have led to a happier ending.  Their emails started getting longer, tones less conciliatory, and the opportunity to turn it around was lost.  Intonation is difficult to distinguish in emails.  

When electronic communication snafus are escalating, experts agree; “Pick up the phone before writing CYA or I am right and you are wrong emails that can be misinterpreted.”  Too many important issues are not solved, deadlines missed and feelings bruised because the conversation stayed electronic.

What is the objective of communication?  Is it not to inform and or persuade?  At the end of the day, the characteristics that tenacious communicators utilize are clarity, civility, humor, and implied firmness.  Phones still work; they can be used, on occasion, for good.  And to the surprise of many; a well-written letter can produce amazing results!

May the force of communication be with you! 

PS.  The art of listening is for another time – what?

PPS. People who break up by text – I won’t go there now!