Consider this scene:
Staff 1: Shall we go for lunch?
Staff 2: Okay? Where?
Staff 1: Up to you.
Staff 2: Then, we will go to the Café Del Sol. When?
Staff 1: 12.00pm?
Staff 2: Fine. Who will drive?
Staff 1: I will. My turn.
Staff 2: Okay. See you then.
The conversation you just heard occurred online, via e-mail. These two are colleagues seated in cubicles, next to each other.
When mobile phones manufacturers tout ‘connectivity’ as the new tagline, and users opt to send text-messages instead of calling, isn’t there an issue? Where is the human touch? What happened to calling somebody and hearing their voice? Perhaps this is why we insist that people listen more attentively and actively to us?
We may have begun losing the human connection. Our signatures are digital, and we are not leaving our personal touches – only electronic imprints. These imprints may not leave a deep or indelible impression on others anymore. First impression count - this means face-to-face communication and contact. Here are some ways to connect, with more impact, with another:
1) Go shake somebody’s hand
2) Give your parents, spouse and children a hug
3) Write in full sentences on text messages
4) Write with clarity and thought on each e-mail, tweet and text message you send
5) Call somebody on Skype
6) Update your blog regularly, and respond to comments
7) Give a verbal compliment
8) Send handwritten notes (Jack Welch used to do it)
9) Send out cards with additional words (Hallmark ones, not electronic)
10)Meet up for coffee and a conversation
As simple or mundane as these may sound, do it. I challenge you to do one of each this week. You may just surprise yourself for your personal touch.
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