Write or talk?
I was several minutes into writing an email to my boss about an event I was planning. How much background should I give him: short & sweet, or detailed so he wouldn't have to respond with an email asking for more info? In a sudden flash of inspiration it occurred to me: pick up the phone and call.
I did, he answered, and in moments we'd taken care of the event issues. He also brought up an unrelated problem that we were still trying to hash out and we figured out a way to move on that.
All in all, quicker and more satisfying to talk on the phone than via email. Why don't we do more of that?
Well, as an avid email user myself, here are its advantages:
- It's asynchronous, a 50 cent term that means that both (all) the people don't have to be available at the same time. I can email you at 2 a.m. and you can read it over coffee at 10 a.m. No worries about is it too late/too early to call.
- As with all written correspondence, it gives you an opportunity to think about what you want to say, and how you say it. You can ponder and refine your words as long as you like before you hit "Send." Sadly, too many times we don't.
- You can send your message to multiple people at the same time. Inviting 30 people to a meeting via email is a snap. Calling them is a half-day's work.
- You get a "paper trail." For better or for worse, this is part of how much of the world operates. I want a record of what I did in case things get screwed up and I have to go back and sort out what happened.
The disadvantages:
- Somewhat impersonal
- No visual expression/tone of voice cues make email easily misunderstood. If you're not careful you can really confuse/piss off people.
- Cumbersome. I can't wait till the keyboard and mouse are relegated to the Museum of Ancient Computer Artifacts and we work entirely by voice/touch/gesture. I'm predicting that it will be within the next 5 years.
Email vs. ???
What do you think? Love email or hate it? Are there some things you prefer to do by email? Do you ever write actual letters and mail them? Is the world going to hell in a handbasket? Please add your comments below.
