Seeking Success Stories of NOT Looking at One's Personal Email at Work
I try NOT even to look at my work email at work.
There is this odd shaped device next to my computer that emits ringing sounds every so often. I try to use that to contact remote people.
Then I discovered these two appendages below my body. Apparently I can use them to get up from behind the desk and walk over to someone in the same building and get them to do things for me or share information with me. I found that utterly amazing!
I use that email thingy only to transport files across the network to people who might not have access to secure folders or servers on my end.
I discovered real people, with real lives and interesting tales to share this way.
Someone actually confided in me the other day that this is what life was like in the early to mid '90s.
It sounded great and I think they lived on a nice planet back then.
The other day another amazing thing happened. Somebody actually came to see me! I think I might have a convert here....
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I will be very happy to receive comments and examples of similar experiences as part of my research for an article entitled: "The loss of civility in Corporate Communication".
Thank you.
theMarketSoul © 2009
2 comments:
Walking around to see someone is great if you are in the same location but, for an increasing number of people, these days "work" is an activity that is not tied to any particular location.
In that scenario, phone and email communication are probably the two most commonly available options. If I phone someone, in just the same way as if I walk up to their desk, I am interrupting their train of thought. This may or may not be welcomed by them.
If the need for us to talk is urgent then an interruption is justified but for things that are only of routine priority, I often choose to send a short email; which could include an invitation to call me when they are free.
In the same way, when I don't want to be disturbed, I often close my email program and switch off my phone. Email will still be collected in my inbox and the voicemail service will take care of incoming phone calls but I am free to concentrate on the task at hand. When I work like this, I always try to put aside some time about twice a day to review my messages and respond to anything urgent.
Of course, social interaction at work is a good thing for our own well being and a strong social network within an organisation is also the foundation for successful knowledge sharing between its members. Most of the time I am delighted to hear from my colleagues and to spend a little time catching up as well as talking about work. However, I have found that a little consideration before deciding to interrupt someone is often much appreciated.
I"m all over that.
Unfortunately, this is the age of documentation and lack of time. The economy has reduced work-forces to minimum staffing, those staff left behind are under the gun to get X amount of work done, and unfortunately, use e-mail as the faster and more expedient manner of communication.
Staff meetings are going online, more folks are going to telecommuting, and still they are working nine to ten hours a day to keep an organization profitable.
Human Resources staffers have to document everything to CYA and to ensure they can backtrack for information or verification of facts. Accountants and financial folks have to document they were told to deduct this, add that to the expense reports. This in contracts are required to document any changes, agreements, etc. Those in sales have to constantly pound the customers (and use e-mails to do so) for selling product.
What companies and business organizations need to do is "STOP" once a week, breath, and declare a 'no-email' day. This will force phone calls, personal visits, and management by walking around and the gain would be a more friendly office or work environment.
Dawn Boyer
I accept all LinkedIn invites:
www.linkedin.com/in/DawnBoyer
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