November 4, 2009PowerPhrase: I would like to meet you in person to discuss this
A year ago Janet knew everyone in one of her major client’s office, but after so many lay-offs and other changes, she found she was working with a whole new team of people she didn’t have a personal relationship with. She felt uneasy about a negotiation, so instead of ignoring her concern, she said,
- Let’s meet in person to discuss this.
She flew in and got to know the new team, which reset the working relationship back to one of trust and understanding like what she had with the previous team.
When you use email, at the very least, pick up the phone at the first sign of tension or the first sense of a disconnect.
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This is a pet peeve of mine. I was taught early on that when commuicating large amounts of data, (spreadsheets, figures, etc.) to use written communication. When trying to build relationships, use vocal (face-to face is best but phone calls are next.) And the cardinal rule, when communication breaksdown, never continue the e-mail communication. Switch to a verbal sommunication and if necessary reconfirm through e-mail.
While I try to adhere to these guidelines, it is amazing to me how many people don’t even think about how their method of communication impacts what they are saying.
Comment by Sharon — November 4, 2009 @ 1:41 pm