Whatever happened to picking up the phone? While email and text messaging have grown more prevalent, it amazes me that people are so phone adverse when it comes to getting things done.
Sure, email and text are great ways to communicate. Fast, reliable, and share information quickly with many people at once.
But, as soon as it becomes a shield you’re hiding behind to avoid a candid or difficult conversation, email/text ceases to be an effective tool. Pick up the phone to deliver the message even if it might feel uncomfortable to do so.
When you’re dealing with a time sensitive issue or client escalation, pick up the phone. You can coordinate a response much faster.
When it’s clear the other party doesn’t understand what you’re saying after a couple emails, pick up the phone.
When urgency is a factor, pick up the phone.
Different situations call for different methods of communication. Don’t rely on just one.