Robert Half
In workplaces everywhere, digital has become the default communication method. Emails and IMs fly back and forth all day. But, sometimes, there's just no substitute for picking up the phone.
In workplaces everywhere, digital has become the default communication method. Emails and IMs fly back and forth all day. But, sometimes, there's just no substitute for picking up the phone.
Prefer a keyboard to a handset? Many people do. But phone aversion, even a mild case, might work against your career goals. There are simply times when having a phone conversation is more productive and appropriate.
We've identified four situations where it's best to pick up the phone.
Situation No. 1: You still haven't resolved an issue after three emails
Some things are just too complicated to work out over email. If you're still nailing down the details of that new project after several email exchanges, it's probably time to pick up the phone and talk in real time. Often, you can clarify in five minutes what might still be cloudy after a dozen emails.
After you hang up, quickly recap any decisions or action steps with one final email. This will ensure everyone is on the same page and has a written record of what was agreed to.
Want to avoid this situation in the first place? Reconsider any email that stretches beyond three short paragraphs. Many people lose focus -- or simply stop reading -- after the first few sentences (what they can see without scrolling). Keep it to one point or question per email. And save more complex discussions for phone calls or meetings.
Winning phone tip: Some professionals view unexpected phone calls as an interruption. Try sending an email or IM to see if the person is available for a quick chat.
Situation No. 2: You're hoping to develop a new relationship
In the business world, relationships matter, and it's hard to grow strong ones by email alone. Face-to-face is best, but when you're not in the same office or city, a few phone calls can be almost as effective.
Make a point to pick up the phone and talk to your new networking contact, colleague, client or vendor regularly. If you struggle to make it a priority, program an automatic reminder that pops up on your calendar.
Then use these chats to slowly learn more about what matters to the other person -- everything from career and business goals to hobbies. You'll discover a lot through tone of voice and conversation styles alone. And it's easier to accomplish just about any business task when you have a strong relationship.
Winning phone tip: Try starting with a simple, "It's so good to hear your voice. How are you?" before jumping into business. A little small talk goes a long way.
Situation No. 3: You need something ASAP
Technology makes all sorts of things faster, but when it's truly urgent, a phone call can be the quickest way to get what you need. Think scheduling job interviews, hiring a new contractor or securing approvals on deadline.
Are you reluctant to pick up the phone? Know that it can cost you. You might miss out on the perfect job candidate if your email gets lost in that person's inbox. Or you could blow a project milestone because you didn't call the three people who needed to approve the new website copy.
Winning phone tip: No answer when you phone? Don't rely on voicemail alone -- many people are slow to check it. In truly urgent cases, leave a voicemail, then follow up with an email to double your odds.
Situation No. 4: It's a sensitive topic
If you're breaking bad news or discussing something sensitive, you'll want all your interpersonal skills at your disposal. It's much easier to convey tone with your voice than with words on a screen, and if there's a misunderstanding, you'll be able to address it in real time.
Pick up the phone to discuss HR issues, missed deadlines, negative feedback or general conflict. People respond better when you take the time to actually talk them through something. And everyone is less likely to get heated when they're not hiding behind a screen and keyboard.
Winning phone tip: Nervous? Jot down your main points on paper and run through them before the call. Start with something positive if you can, but don't drag out bad news by stalling.
Email is a powerful tool, but don't let it become a bad habit. The next time you start typing a new message, stop and think about whether it's the best medium for your message. Would a phone call work better? If the answer is yes, back away from the keyboard and start dialing.
When you imagine someone taking online courses, you may think of
tech-savvy youth who grew up with the internet. But in fact, the typical
online student is a middle-aged married woman (about 35 years old),
reports the "Online College Students" survey.
According to the survey, 56 percent of online students have full-time
jobs. This highlights one of the potential major benefits of earning a
degree online - convenience.
As the popularity of online education has grown, so has skepticism surrounding it.
It's popular to earn an undergraduate degree online - 48 percent of
online students are pursuing either an associate's or bachelor's degree.
But there are also many students earning both master's and doctoral
degrees online.
Does working on a computer without the potential distraction of
co-workers seem like an ideal situation for you? If that's the case, you
might want to consider a career in computer programming.
Would you rather be consumed by engaging research or idle chatter
with co-workers throughout the day? If your answer is the former, a
career as a market research analyst could meet your professional needs.
Are you enthused by the idea of examining financial records without
having to deal with face-to-face conversations all the time? If so,
working as an accountant could supply you with the kind of privacy you
desire.
Does a career on the administrative side of the health care field
sound interesting to you? If that's true, working as a medical records
and health information technician could keep you more behind-the-scenes.
Looking for a career that might give you an opportunity to take a
bite out of crime without logging lots of face time with others? You
might want to think about pursuing a career as an information security
analyst.
Do you have a huge creative side that flourishes best with a little
privacy? You might want to think about a career as a graphic designer.