In the last newsletter I discussed the negative impact electronic communications is having on the workplace.  Here are five specific strategies to enhance relationship integrity, increase communication skills, reduce social isolation,  improve your work (or family) team and develop creativity with problem solving techniques.  

1. Offsetting the loss of communication integrity:  Communications today is often practiced primarily through email and texting. While both are expedient forms of communication, it pales in comparison to personal contact. Here is a communication hierarchy to help decide what form of communication to undertake when  you need to communicate.   

The first form, and choice for communicating should be face-to-face.  Whenever you have the opportunity to meet with someone face-to-face, take it!  Make this your first choice in communications.   

Second best is video conferencing.  It's low cost, easy to set up and allows you to see the other person, hear their voice and get the nuances of the conversation. Video increases your ability to connect, provides feedback and lets you be present with the person you are speaking with.  

The third form is a phone call.  It is not as good as face-to-face or video, but is effective in communicating vocal nuances and emotions. It allows you to hear more then just the words. You can pick up background noise, and even silence.  So think about what you communicate in the background or in what you don't say.  

The fourth form of communication is a written letter.  Yes, a letter.  You do remember writing don't you?  Letters are personal; take the time to compose, and effort to complete.  The written letter communicates meaning, value in the relationship and a personal message.   

The fifth and sixth forms of communication are email and texting. These should be used as the last resort in communication. Yet today for many young people they are the preferred methods of communicating.  They are OK for short communications, but totally inadequate for communicating with integrity and should never replace a staff meeting or needed conversation.

2. Loss of interpersonal skills:  Interpersonal skills develop through practice. The more time you spend with others the more you learn how to interact effectively.  Businesses and families that directly communicate, experience better relationships than those that allow members to isolate and overly relying on electronic communications.  With today's tenancy to engage in almost total electronic communication many of the skills necessary for relating are seriously lacking.  Opportunities to increase face-to-face time should be built into meetings, gatherings, and in informal and formal communications.  Policies should be considered to limit electronic communications.  

3. Greater social isolation:

Many companies today are saying "No" to personal phones or texting devices present during work hours.   Families are saying no iPods, or phones at family meals, gatherings, and in the bedroom after bedtime.  Face-to-face staff meetings need to take place whenever possible to build relationships; to trust in those relationships and to clarify the relationship building process. Shunning interpersonal communications often leads to increased isolation and a loss of social and interpersonal skills.  The skills we use develop, while those that are neglected waste away!  

4. Inability to work in teams:  Teams communicate consistently and effectively to build relationships with a foundation of trust over time. By interacting, individuals have the opportunity to test boundaries, challenge assumptions and learn to appreciate the groups interactions.  Make the time for quality interactions to exponentially strengthen your relationships and the ability to work together.  

5. Lack of creativity:  Many of the managers I speak with today bemoan the fact that they can't find new workers that are creative or, reasonable risk-takers.  Personally I believe this is due to an over reliance on the Internet for problem solutions, resulting in reduced creative thinking.  Risk-taking is essential for creative ventures.  Without risk-taking we tend to stay safe in our thinking, actions, and results.  This is contrary to the unrestricted thinking necessary for generating new ideas. Organizations need to create emotionally safe environments where individuals can explore options and test new ideas. Individuals lacking creative awareness need skills to utilize their creative talents.  There is no telling what may lay undiscovered in the untapped resources of those around us. 

Be well,

John