Article on e-mail and the dangers of over-reliance on electronic communication

I was forwarded this and thought it interesting because sometimes people do not appreciate the value of a face-to-face meeting, with so many things being done "virtually."

There are clients (you know who you are) who have never actually met us in the flesh - which I always find interesting, even though I am fully aware of the "power of the internet" and the like - I look forward to meeting them.

Hat tip to Newsweek.

Anyway, check this out...

Despite the ease with which we can shoot off electronic messages to a co-worker or client, limiting the use of e-mail in business communications is a good idea, according to Diane Bradys article, *!#@ The E-Mail. Can We Talk? in the December 2006 issue of NEWSWEEK.

The article highlights three dangers of our over-reliance on electronic business communications:

CREATIVE MELTDOWN
The fluid exchange and building on ideas that comes from people gathered in a room doesn't happen in the time-delayed world of e-mail volleyball. When the CEO of a company in Georgia suspected e-mail was hurting productivity and sales, he banned its use on Fridays. One-on-one interaction between his 275 employees and with clients quickly improved. The company's use of e-mail eventually dropped by more than 80%.

MISINTERPRETATION
A New York University study showed that fewer than half the population actually grasps the tone or intent of electronic messages, and that most people overestimate their ability to accurately state what they mean. Syracuse University professor Kristin Byron is cited in Brady's article as finding that misinterpretation is highest when it comes from the boss.

FACELESS HUMANITY
Those of us who stare at a computer screen day in and day out sometimes feel more like machines than humans. Meaningful relationships don't happen online they require face-to-face, voice-to-voice communication. Phone calls, handwritten notes, even an inside joke shared over a cubicle wall, go a long way in forging friendships, team spirit, and long-term client relationships.

E-mail clearly has benefits, but when it comes to building stronger, longer relationships, stepping away from your keyboard or blackberry to flash a smile and share a handshake gives you an up-close and personal advantage, creates stronger memory "hooks" in your brain, and makes you feel better, too.