Talking Takes Too Much Time

In our fast paced world, it becomes ever more important for us to get rid of the distractions that prevent us from doing what needs to be done.

One of the most common things that prevents tasks from being completed is the need to talk about every little detail on the task.

So often we feel that the instructions we give in writing aren’t good enough so we want to talk with the person on the phone or in person. I understand that sometimes a face to face or a phone call can communicate effectively, but in order for that person to truly understand what we want, they have to write it down anyway.

When we have simple questions or simple comments that need to be made, do we really need to talk so much?

I got an email last week from a colleague in another state.

“Can we schedule a conference call to discuss the ‘thing?’” is the question.

“You bet,” I respond. “What is the question you have so that I can be properly prepared?”

“I want to see if you want to do thing A or thing B?” Is the question I get back.

First thing that goes through my mind is, Why do I need to schedule a conference call for this.

I decide to email back and say, “Thing A is fine.”

No conference call needed.

The problem in the above scenario is more basic than needing a phone call. The problem is that we simply don’t know how to get to the point. We don’t seem to understand that other people don’t sit around waiting for us to talk to them. We are trying to get our work done.

Learn to ask your questions pointedly. Don’t waste others’ time by asking for meetings or calls when one well crafted sentence will do the trick.