Over the years, communication means and methods have changed. We are now in a world where most everyone has at least a cell phone close by. While all these advances have made it easier to communicate and catalogue our work, we’ve unintentionally cut out some of the personal interactions that can make a team truly great.
An article I read recently argues that what we’re missing is “small talk,” a chance to connect, and therefore understand each other better. If we talk in person, rather than via email, we can find ways to support our team members and have a more clear understanding of where they stand in a project. Having said this, we now have the ability to “chat” electronically, which might be a close second to talking in person, but it’s still not the same.
We all might be a little happier in our work environment if things felt less transactional. While the ways we communicate now have a lot of value, there is something about being together when you can make it happen. Simply talking can enrich the communication and transfer of thoughts.
