E-mailing: Benefits Come With Costs

E-mailing Can Prevent Relationship Building
if Substituted for Phone Conversations and Meetings

E-mailing has proved to be a bonanza for saving time, documenting  the steps in making a decision and making information quickly available amongst a large group.  For many it is a lifesaver as regards meeting the obligations of their job position.

However, e-mailing has a downside as well. Phone conversations are replaced with e-mailing, meetings are replaced with e-mailing and presentations are replaced with e-mailing.  This substitution makes it difficult to discuss complex issues as the essence of discussion is a spontaneous back-and-forth between the participants as they search for understanding and solutions.  While e-mailing adds some imperfection to decision-making, there is an even more profound unintended consequence: lost opportunities to build relationships. Hearing vocal reactions as well as seeing their physical reactions add not only to communication but to one's assessment of the person's ability and your desire to have a long-lasting, working relationship.

In today's world of business uncertainty, personal relationships are more valuable than ever.  Sacrificing the opportunity to build personal relations by using e-mail too extensively is choosing short-term expediency over long-term solvency.  For the sake of longer-term survival, consider whether a phone conversation or a short meeting will better resolve the issue at hand and thus also provide the opportunity to strengthen a working relationship.

Any topics that you wish to be discussed in this column?
Please contact R. D. at

silva@4fashionadvice.com

R. David Silva

Business Editor

silva@4fashionadvice.com

25+ years experience in the world of business/marketing