Tom LaForce

Many times I have warned people against the danger of using email. Usually the warning goes something like this, “Email is missing both visual and audio cues that people need to accurately interpret what you are trying to say. Without this information, your message is likely to be misinterpreted, and that can cause big problems for you as well as your intended recipient.”

Today I’m going to add one more reason to the list of why you should remove your hands from your keyboard and pick up the phone. It will save you time.

How it usually works

Think about it. You’re cruising through your email inbox when you get to one from a co-worker who wants your feedback on a proposal. You read the proposal and decide that yes you have some feedback. You start typing. You want to make sure you provide all the feedback. You also want to write carefully so as to not offend your co-worker. You hammer out your thoughts in about fifteen minutes, but then spend another fifteen polishing before you are ready to send. Your feedback generates a clarifying question from the other person and back and forth you go with a few more notes. In the end, you invested nearly an hour conveying your thoughts regarding this one email.

How it could work

Now imagine going a different route. This time you pick up the phone and say, “Hey Chuck, got your note and thought it would be easiest to simply give you a quick call…” You share your thoughts. He asks a few clarifying questions, and 10 minutes later you are done. You’ve shared the feedback and probably provided greater understanding to Chuck by allowing him to immediately ask questions. Based on his tone, you were able to adjust your response on the fly to minimize any hurt feelings.

Want to get through the email inbox faster? Pick out anything you believe requires a “well-crafted” response, and call the person with your answer. You’ll save time and maybe even prevent carpel tunnel.

Oh, and let’s not forget, be better understood. A triple win!

Image credit: MoneyBlogNewz