I had an experience today that made me ask 3 key questions:
- Why do we overlook the obvious?
- Why do we forget the most efficient way to achieve our goals?
- Why do we get blinded by inefficient processes?
The answer may be that we get so overly focused on one technology or process that we have a memory lapse. Today I had an experience that drove that point home. After being away from the office for a few days, and not being able to log into my emails, I got back to my office to find several emails referencing pending meetings and trying to find a time convenient to all parties.
I emailed them back with some times - knowing that until I got appointment A confirmed I could not confirm appointment B, etc. since there was a certain sequence to the days and times available for each person. While I waited for the response to my emails I realized that I created a complex pattern of not being able to firm up appointments until, as described above, the initial meeting was firmed up. I had a half dozen pending emails waiting for the first appointment to settle on a specific time. I waited and waited.
Then it occurred to me - why not call the individuals, in priority order, and get to the decision on times and places immediately. Why wait on emails? We often think that emails are faster - but not everyone is tied to their desk and starring at their new emails, etc.
I called, I connected, we set the first meeting. I called the second person and got that meeting set up, etc. Within five minutes the series of meetings were confirmed all with the simple use of the telephone. I avoided the process of suggesting a time only to find out in the return email that that posed a conflict and they would suggest a time that created a conflict for me. With the telephone we were able to quickly adjust and find the right time and place.
I had become so reliant upon the computer and emails that I lost perspective as to how to use the other readily available tools.
I wonder how often we all fall into traps of habits which are very unproductive? It is not that we don't have access to various tools - we just forget how to use them to achieve specific problems. I urge us all, particular me, to think before acting. Think of the best way to connect on a personal level and use the communication tool that is the best fit - not just the most commonly used.
