Common Courtesies in Professional Communication
Where has good communication gone? In this digital age, it seems to have fled the scene. Everything we consume is broken down into short staccato moments that neither convey a complete idea nor suggest the next course of action. It’s time to get back to the basics. To slow down and take each moment deliberately and with intention. How do we do that while the rest of the world is flying by at lightning speed?
No. 1 - Respond in a day
It’s that easy. All you have to do is get back to people. Pick up the phone or shoot off an email, but make the effort to consider the other person’s point of view and then reciprocate accordingly.
No. 2 - Build trust
The definition of trust is doing what you said that you would do by when you said you would do it. It is the ultimate gift of time and the harbinger of behavior to come. But what if you can’t do it on time? All you have to do is give a heads up, to reach out, to communicate, and then, to own whatever reason that might have kept you from keeping your word.
No. 3 - The phone is in fashion
Just pick it up, dial the number, and actually speak to the human on the other end. You might be shocked by what you can accomplish and how the barriers that you thought existed were somehow lost in digital translation.
Why is all of this so important?
Because when it comes down to it, all you and your colleagues want is to be able to trust each other and understand each person’s perspective. By following through on your commitments, being present for each and every moment of communication, and being open to collaborating and sharing your perspective, you will be well on your way to veering back onto the road of good communication and can slowly banish the demons of the digital age.