When to Text and When to Email

I have a 13-year-old daughter. Her style of communication is very different. In truth, I spend a lot of time talking to her along with my younger and older staff members about effective communications. I think that business leaders need to have this conversation with their flock to set expectations. Here are some questions to hydrate the conversation:

• When is it appropriate to pick up the phone?
• When is it appropriate to send a text message?
• When is it appropriate to send an email?

When you look into the palm of your hand, you have a powerful communication tool that enables any of these activities. You have a choice. Are you and your team making the right choices?

Text

Text messaging is effective – especially for overscheduled executives. They can be in a meeting and see/respond to a text message. But text messaging should be used delicately. It is not a communication resource for sales and marketing. It is for relaying timely and important communications only.

This is my fear of younger people entering the business world.  They have been using text messaging for chatting with their friends. Literally having conversations over text. Older people hate this.

If you are conveying something lengthy, send an email or pick up the phone. Only send a text to alert the person to read the email or call when available. Text is not for conversations.