CEO Tierry Breton may be the first brave soul to ban the use of internal email, but he won’t be the last. And sadly, he won’t solve anything. Within 18 months his 75,000 member staff will stop sending one another email and instead rely on instant messaging and chat-style services similar to Facebook.
There is no doubt that technology has done wonders for the field of communications. It has brought us increased messaging speed and an insatiable appetite for content. But, what it hasn’t done is reinvent the wheel. At the core, humans still have only two ways to communicate: speaking and writing.
Leaders like Breton are prone to seek technology solutions for communication problems. They want to free employees from inbox bulge and find a way to streamline business decisions. But, the problem with email isn’t technology; it’s the writer.
Top netiquette mishaps include:
- Hiding the point beneath endless paragraphs of background information
- Using a dull, non-actionable subject like “MDT Brochure Supplement”
- Berating readers with a thinly veiled, snaggletooth tone
Intentions are good, but since email robs users of what experts agree are the most important elements of effective communication—tone and nonverbal expression—everyone is at a disadvantage. Unfortunately, these persuaders, which are so vital for influencing change and building relationships, are not only lost through instant messaging, they’re even less valued.
So, with more than 107 trillion emails going out this year, let’s wish Mr. Breton luck. But for those of you stuck battling the inbox dilemma, find a little hope with Hush Files.
Melissa DeLay is a communication strategist who has mastered the art of making positive impressions. She’s passionate about teaching others how to unleash their powers of persuasion-of going beyond words-to drive behavior change, inspire innovation and grow business. Melissa hosts a how-to blog on delivering bad news called Spill the Truth.
