Keyboard Kim’s fingers are locked to her keyboard. That’s all she does – tap away on those keys…
When I ask clients if they have ever e-mailed to the person in the cubicle or office next to them, nine times out of ten, the answer is yes. Sometimes this is appropriate – in the case of simple questions for which people don’t want to interrupt or impose – but other times, it’s absolutely ridiculous because the item requires discussion.
This practice isn’t happening with only the person in the next cubicle, but applies to anyone within reasonable range of contact. Some people are said to “hide” behind their email, using it prolifically even when other means of communication are more appropriate.
Kim’s Antidote: Many times, face-to-face or telephone discussion is much preferred over email. Simply taking the initiative to meet with a person, and getting the issue resolved with dialogue enables the employee to convey the facial expressions, body language, and feedback that can make an interaction more useful. Just remember, email can never replace conversation.
Excerpted from Inbox Detox, Acanthus Publishing, 2009
