“Don’t Call Me”

Here are some of the main points from the piece:

  1. Phone Calls Can Improve Transactions: According to the experiment, starting a business negotiation with a brief phone call, even if the rest of the interaction is conducted via email, can lead to better outcomes. This could be because it creates a more personal connection upfront.
  2. The Intrusiveness of Phone Calls: Despite the advantages of phone calls, the article delves into how constant phone interruptions can be exhausting. It becomes harder to manage when you are continually interrupted by business calls, even during personal time, such as while watching TV.
  3. Email Advantages:
    • Volume Handling: Email allows individuals to process more information efficiently. You can read and respond much faster than having a phone conversation, and you have the option to review the information.
    • Less Chitchat: Email tends to eliminate unnecessary small talk, which makes it more efficient, especially in business settings.
    • Written Record: There’s a written record of discussions, reducing the chances of misunderstandings that can occur with verbal communication.
  4. Telephone Misunderstandings: The article points out that it’s not uncommon for phone conversations to end with a misunderstanding of what was agreed upon, whereas email reduces the likelihood of such confusion.
  5. The Challenge of Telephone Tag: Even though an answering machine could help with missed calls, it doesn’t fully solve the issue of time zone differences or the frustration of playing “telephone tag,” where multiple messages get left without a clear resolution.
  6. Setting Expectations: One solution suggested is to initiate business relationships with a phone call to establish a connection but then funnel communication through email. This reduces the pressure of being constantly available by phone and allows for a more organized, less intrusive approach.
  7. A Final Preference for Email: The article concludes that for routine communications, sticking with email is likely the better option, especially for people who are more likely to be busy and don’t want to be bogged down by constant phone calls.

 

The article highlights the balance between fostering initial personal connections through phone calls while shifting to email for efficiency and boundaries in ongoing business interactions. It offers a practical take on how to navigate this modern dilemma of communication preferences.