Communication that shifts power

Communication that shifts power

TANKER

OVERDOSE!
01.12.2007

World wide over 170 billion e-mails are sent every day according to an estimate made by the market analysis firm Radacati Group. That means two million e-mails every second. On a bad day, it feels as though they all end up in my inbox. I certainly understand that some firms in the US have introduced e-mail-free Fridays.

Information technology is the saviour of democracy, allowing everybody access to information. The question is whether the quality of information equals the volume? In my experience, effective tools of communication can in fact reduce productivity levels and weaken the communication when used incorrectly.

Every day I hear colleagues suggest sending e-mails. More and more frequently I hear my self answer; -Make a phone call in stead! Or meet the person face to face! E-mails are being abused. We often send off an e-mail because we are such cowards that we avoid personal confrontations. In problematic cases, e-mails can make things worse. In a conversation, we can nuance and show what we mean through tone and facial expressions. An e-mail is irrevocable, and the receiver’s reaction is impossible to adjust. With e-mails, we loose personal contact.

American research suggests that e-mail contributes to the increased probability of conflict and misunderstanding in an organization. Messages with negative emotional content should not be delivered electronically, but rather face to face. Do not write e-mails that are angry, accusing or sarcastic. What you cannot say face to face you should keep to your self. Mentions of other humans are also taboo. Everything becomes misleading!

I have calculated that I receive on average an e-mail every fifth minute. The danger of cyber-congestion is evident. Therefore, I have created some rules for my self. It is the same thing about e-mails as with medicine; the dosage is the problem. Therefore I disconnect my e-mail when I need peace and concentration. That way I can decide the timing of my intake. Besides, I have become much more selective with regards to which e-mails I answer. In my experience the fewer e-mails I send, the fewer I receive.

Still I hope to hear from you! In good time, the day will come when offers for cheap Viagra is the only thing that greets me when I open my inbox.

Hans Geelmuyden