Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I noticed that lots of my coworkers prefer to be notified by a work issue by email rather than you going to their desk and asking them face to face. In the past when I would approach certain workers it seem to bother them a lot more but they respond a lot better through email when trying to resolve something. I thought about it and maybe it;s because they are not being put on the spot to answer a question and can get to it through email when they have time.
Do everyone else prefer this type of communication at work?
If I was working on a complex issue that needed concentration, or working under a deadline I would not want to be interrupted. Unless the issue is urgent an email would allow me to handle the situation when I had a break. Sometimes I will prefer email if I want to have a paper trail of my decision, or if I need to get someone else involved (I can just forward the email with my comments).
If I was working on a complex issue that needed concentration, or working under a deadline I would not want to be interrupted. Unless the issue is urgent an email would allow me to handle the situation when I had a break. Sometimes I will prefer email if I want to have a paper trail of my decision, or if I need to get someone else involved (I can just forward the email with my comments).
Yeah I was able to realize that I maybe interrupting people and just started emailing a couple of months ago.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
44,563 posts, read 81,147,605 times
Reputation: 57767
Yes, If used properly, email is concise, and also provides a record. Speaking in person increases the chances of error by misunderstanding or forgetting, and also will often result in wasted time when the conversation gets off topic.
I much, much, much prefer email. I can answer when time permits and it doesn't turn a 2 sentence question into a 30 minute conversation with you standing at my desk.
If I was working on a complex issue that needed concentration, or working under a deadline I would not want to be interrupted. Unless the issue is urgent an email would allow me to handle the situation when I had a break. Sometimes I will prefer email if I want to have a paper trail of my decision, or if I need to get someone else involved (I can just forward the email with my comments).
Ditto.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hemlock140
Yes, If used properly, email is concise, and also provides a record. Speaking in person increases the chances of error by misunderstanding or forgetting, and also will often result in wasted time when the conversation gets off topic.
I find this to be a generational thing. At my last job I had an older boss who always preferred the phone. When a client had an issue or question he always wanted us to call them instead of sending an email.
I found that clients who were on the younger side often seemed caught off guard by phone calls, and would often prefer emails. If they had a question for me they were more likely to email first. Older clients were probably 50/50.
I think phone calls are obviously the way to go for something urgent. If it isn't urgent an email is better because more thought and detail can go into it. Even though I know my job, a phone call can be surprising and I might feel pressured to give answers immediately that might be different if I were allowed to think about the issue a bit longer.
I also think a call to follow up on an email to clarify points or questions is also a good use of the phone.
Depends on the immediacy and scope of the issue. But generally, I'd prefer email communication on issues. So many pointless, tête-à -tête meetings about absolutely nothing.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
