|
by Donna Nebenzahl
The National Post
May 30, 2007
|
|
MANAGERS MUST SET EXAMPLE; Set some rules for managing your communications
These days, we all suffer from digital overload, as those time-saving devices that were designed to keep us connected become shackles from which we struggle to free ourselves.
Cellphones ring in restaurants, on buses, in the cinema, even during meetings.
And the BlackBerry. How many decent lunches are waylaid by someone hauling his "recent message" off his hip?
Now, at last, it's good to see we're finally asking questions about how much good those BlackBerrys actually do. Turns out, rather than saving time, people who own them tend to work more than those who don't, according to a survey from Toronto-based Solutions Research Group.
With cellphones, there is nowhere to hide. People can track you down no matter where you are. Not to mention that offices nowadays resound to the cellphone ring tones of O Canada and the William Tell Overture, in addition to the ring of the regular office telephones.
Now, it seems that more companies -- although far too few -- are realizing there might be liability involved and are banning the use of cellphones while employees are behind the wheel.
In an interview, Alberta injury control specialist Louis Francescutti cited 130 studies around the world in the past few years "that have shown you can't talk on a cellphone and drive, whether it's hand-held or hands-free."
No question, the demand from constant communication is the cause of a lot of stress. You end up with more and more grumpy people, constantly distracted by these digital interruptions.
No wonder, say the folks at U.K.- based Digital World Research Centre, office workers are increasingly suffering from a new type of Seasonal Affective Disorder. They find themselves in a lose-lose situation: frustrated when they cannot reach somebody and resentful when they're constantly interrupted by the technology.
"We become stressed and impatient when we can't reach someone, and we expect instant responses from co-workers and business contacts," said Michael Warren of the University of Surrey in responding to the survey. "And yet, we become annoyed when our own meetings or discussions are, for example, interrupted by a mobile phone."
Workplace rules are needed, Mr. Warren said, and management has got to set the example for their organizations.
"I think that technology has its part to play, too," he said.
"Tools and processes are needed that will allow us to manage our communications with the maximum degree of availability and the minimum degree of frustration."
So how do you stop being available so much that it makes you sick?
Welcome these eight simple rules for modern business communications etiquette:
- Turn cellphones off in meetings.
- Change your cellphone voicemail so you receive a text message for urgent calls.
- Turn device screens off when holding meetings in your office.
- If you are expecting an urgent call, apologize and warn others in advance.
- Give your full attention to the person with whom you're talking.
- Hold private calls in private places.
- Forget e-mail -- take a walk to your colleague's office and have a chat.
- Remember technology is not power. It doesn't signify your importance.
|
|
