More Means Less in Communication Efforts
Communication has always been a fundamental aspect of human interaction. From discussions over the fences to satellite transmissions it is an important part of our social makeups as human beings. To get information in the past, humans relied on the news from trusted journalists. Local and national newspapers brought us updated information along with radio and later television. In today’s digital world of social media, everyone can be a “reporter” of sorts, although certainly not a trusted journalist. Nonetheless, digital communication with texting, email, phone, and a myriad of social networks has given humans the ability to be in constant communication with one another practically anytime and anywhere in the world. The irony, though, is that even with all that technology we don’t seem to be able to communicate as well as we did decades ago.
This severe lack of communication came to me recently when I reached out to a local organization regarding an upcoming event. First, it was difficult to find contact information for the group. When I tracked down a number, I was given the name and number of another person. Upon contacting them, they told me to send them information about my client, which I promptly did via email, followed by a text. After several days I hadn’t heard anything, so I reached out again. Nothing. Several more days. Still crickets. After a third strikeout, I again reached out to the organizational office itself. After a “oh, well, okay” type of conversation I was told that person would reach out to the first person, and someone would get back to me. I get the feeling my grandson will be a college graduate before I hear anything. This is from an organization that depends on people participating and knowing about the event. To say they desperately need a communications professional is an understatement. Knowing this group, they would probably want a volunteer and, since you usually get what you pay for, it probably wouldn’t help.
I thought about why, with all the communicative technology at our disposal, we cannot communicate effectively. First, there is a heavy reliance on text-based methods such as email and texting. While convenient, they lack the nuances of verbal and non-verbal communication such as tone, body language, and looking at the person directly. This causes misinterpretation of messages, which leads to conflicts.
Another is fear of conflict, which is now more present than in the past. Part of this, though, is that we don’t communicate person-to-person anymore. This leads to unresolved issues, misunderstandings, and superficial interactions. It’s easier to criticize a stranger while hiding behind a keyboard than to look someone in the eyes and say the same things.
There are also the shortened attention spans and digital distractions we deal with in today’s technological advanced world. A constant bombardment of information has led to skimming messages with a lack of focus and attention. Oftentimes, people who are even physically present are mentally in cyberspace, leading to poor listening skills and the inability to effectively communicate with those they are in conversation with at the time.
Finally, there is what I call a lack of emotional intelligence. Understanding and managing emotions of ourselves and others and expressing those emotions is a learned skill technology cannot replace. This lack of emotional intelligence leads to miscommunication, conflicts, and relationship breakdowns.
To overcome these issues, technology needs to be put aside and we must listen to others, seek clarity, and prioritize relationships, especially if a group wants others involved in their events.
Meanwhile, I’ll wait on an answer from the group downtown. Maybe they should send it Pony Express. I’d probably get it faster.
Randy Gibson is the CEO of RDG Communications, LLC.
