5 Reasons to Shut Off Your Computer

Jim Stroup wrote a nice piece about how and when to say "no" when you know you must ("Negotiating to 'No'"). It was timed perfectly, because just then I was faced with a situation where, after telling proxies "no" for so long (and offering alternatives to what we were being asked to do), I finally had the opportunity to meet directly with the client in charge of the project. To my surprise and delight, we arrived at a mutually acceptable resolution within 10 minutes.

Even in this world of instant communications, it's amazing how powerful meeting face-to-face can be. Here are five ways meeting in person can help overcome obstacles that may be plaguing your project:

1. Increase decorum. It's harder to be dismissive and snide when the person you're dealing with is looking you straight in the eye. The apparent anonymity brought by a computer screen makes it easier to forget that you're dealing with another person and just focus on winning an argument.
2. Spontaneous interaction. In complicated projects, it's almost always assured that there is some contingency you haven't thought of. When you meet in person and something unexpected comes up as an objection, you can address it immediately.
3. What you think isn't what you wrote, or at least how it was perceived. When we write, although we try to keep the audience in mind, we can often miss the gaps that need to be filled. In conversation, the person you're speaking with can quickly tell you what he needs to know.
4. Cut down on needless side conversations. In person, it's much easier to get a conversation back on topic if you see it's going off.
5. Facilitate understanding of shared goals. It all comes down to this point: You're on the same side. But that doesn't mean you want to accomplish the same things. It's possible that you're at cross purposes, and that would explain your disagreement. If that's the case, meeting in person can identify those issues and help you come to a common understanding.

Not every problem is going to be so easy to resolve that it can be done within 10 minutes. Come prepared. Be willing to admit you are wrong in light of new information that says so. And make sure the right people are with you who can answer questions you can't. - Cam Beck

Comments

[Lewis Green]

Cam,

Everyone should read this post. How often have we written something that was misinterpreted? Too often. Even a telephone call can change things for the better. Although convenient, e-mail is the worst communications medium we have and face-to-face remains the best. Thanks for sharing.

[Personal Growth]

yes i agree that all of us should get into active conversations that is more than enough. That can prevent any kind of misunderstanding. And the communication will be more clear.

[Jim Stroup]

Cam,

Thanks, of course, for your generous reference to my post.

However, the real value here, I think, is in your on-the-mark observations about the importance of personal contact not merely to relationship building and maintenance, but simply to effective communication. You're right to suggest that there is a dark side to the power of virtual presence - people can hide behind it, and develop, in their isolation, growing misperceptions.

Lewis's comment about how even a telephone call can be a life-saver in this regard is terrific!

Great, insightful, piece - thanks for it! (Great title, too!)

[Paul Herring]

I think digital marketers (I'm one of them) forget this and, unfortunately, get a reputation because of it.

Maybe instead of the IM to the person downstairs, pick up the telephone.

[John]

Or even better walk down the stairs Paul!