Yes, I know that is a line from "Cool Hand Luke". And yes, it's been copied many more times. But it's so true. Let me explain, without going into too many details.

It all started last week. An e-mail message was sent. It went to at least two individuals that were not directly involved in the decision making process. The big effect was that lot's of people got involved, lot's of discussion, a real non-productive situation.

Then a retraction was sent. Then the next day there were more discussions. Two days later, more e-mail messages. More rumors. More discussions. And time lost in worry and wonder.

So yesterday I tracked down a few of the interested parties. Turns out, it's all a misunderstanding. One that could have been prevented with a brief phone call or a face-to-face conversation. I blame myself. I should have picked up a phone and made that call when I became aware of the first message.

What's the point?

Technology is a wonderful thing. E-mail is a great way to communicate. But it isn't necessarily the best way. Some times e-mail can cause more confusion than it eliminates. For sure there is room to analyze this problem. And for sure there is much about this that I don't understand.

Some would like to create a culture where all communication is done by e-mail. That might be an overstatement. At least there are some who would like to use e-mail for most communication. A dream scenario for a few of us.

And then there is the typical kiss-up to certain CEOs. You know the drill. "My CEO is amazing. Every time I e-mail him/her I hear back within 15 minutes. How does she/he do it?" Gag me. This transparent nuzzling is sickening.

The facts. About half my e-mail is junk. And that's on my good, don't sign up for anything, keep it clean account. I get somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 messages a day. Some messages can't be addressed immediately. Most messages don't get read until the end of the day ( a byproduct of a meeting-rich schedule with amazing amounts of travel thrown in.)

I can't perscribe the "right" culture for communication. I can say that if I want to make sure that something is, at the very least, heard, I will make a call. If it's really important, face-to-face is a must.........
9:47:20 PM    comment []