Communication is one of the pillars of a successful organization. If an organization can’t communicate well within itself or with its clients, then that organization will die; it’s that simple. When you think about modern day communication and all the ways that we can get ahold of each other; it’s actually quite overwhelming. Nowadays you can:
- email someone
- call them
- text message them
- send them a message via a social network
- tweet them
- video chat with them
- chat with them when they sign into an email platform (such as gmail)
- send a letter
- set up a physical meeting
- skype them
- and more
It’s actually interesting to think of how many communication methods have evolved over the years. 100 years ago we had just a handful of ways to communicate with one another: telephone, in person, or letter.
The question is whether or not more means of communication provides for more EFFECTIVE means of communication. If you can be contacted via 10 different ways does that make communication more efficient or less efficient?
How could it make you less effecient?
Managing 10 communication tools and platforms is not easy. If there’s only one way for someone to get ahold of you then you only need to manage one tool. The more communication tools you have available the more time and effort you need to spend managing those tools; essentially you become your own administrative assistant instead and believe it or not your communication efficiency will not increase but decrease.
So what are some things that you can do to help make sure your staying efficient with your communication?
- stick to a core set of communication tools such as your phone and email
- aggregate communication channels; for example when someone sends me a direct message on twitter that message goes to my email, I can then check that email on my phone.
- eliminate the communications channels that take the most time and that provide the least amount of value
- focus on the communication channels that your clients/company is using
What are some of your communication tips to deal with the ever increase amount of communication channels?
Good post and I think your point is well made re: more methods not always being better. Being able to get your emails or update your Twitter status via your phone is a great convenience, but not always the best way to communicate.
It's a case of efficiency vs. effectiveness. Streamlining the channels; knowing when an email can save time/accomplish more than a call or vice versa; designating SM channels for certain types of contact are my best tips.
thanks for the comment and for stopping by!
So, how do I forward direct messages to my email? Is that default in Twitter or does the message just say “You have received a new direct message”?
I agree with this statement. Good post and I think your point is well made re: more methods not always being better. Being able to get your emails or update your Twitter status via your phone is a great convenience, but not always the best way to communicate. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for this post! One thing I wanted to mention, is that something that can take 10 back and forth emails can be handled over the phone in a five minute phone conversation–or even better, a two minute in-person conversation. I know we've all heard this before many times over, but I think it is still very important to keep in mind and so often forgotten.
Regardless of whether over the phone, email, or any other means of communication, I think the most important thing, is to really take the time to develop your ideas and message you are trying to communicate very clearly and articulately. This might take some time at first, but eventually it will be come easier, and you will find you are listening more and ultimately learning more throughout your every day conversations. If these conversations are taking place online, you will find that you are developing stronger relationships with those you are communicating with and making the most of these communications mediums.
yep, good point justin. we definitely need to remember what makes more sense over the phone and what makes more sense via email. that's another great way to keep communication efficient and effective.
I couldn't agree more. Communication is the foundation to a successful organization. Developing a clear message and sticking to what work is absolutely necessary. We also need to make sure that everyone involved in the process is up to speed with the organizational communication goals.
I couldn't agree more. Communication is the foundation to a successful organization. Developing a clear message and sticking to what work is absolutely necessary. We also need to make sure that everyone involved in the process is up to speed with the organizational communication goals.
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