January 11, 2010

Don't give bad phone!

The mobile phone has not helped the quality of calls we make. In fact, mobile phone conversations are usually pretty lame: choppy, distracted, banal and often interrupted. When someone calls me, and they are ordering a burger as they talk to me, it is not a very good experience. Over the last year or so, I’ve decided to stop making important calls on the run. When I want to give good phone, I shut down my laptop, spend a few minutes collecting my thoughts…then I call someone on my phone and totally concentrate on that call. The results? Much more gets accomplished and the listener can sense your attention and respect for them. I know we are all busy, and feel like travel time is perfect phone time – but it is not. Working on time management may do more for you than cramming phone calls into driving, shopping or some other mobile activities. I believe that the quality of our conversations determines the quality of our relationships and business life. They provide the nutrition that feeds both. So why would you eat ‘fast phone’?


Posted at 3:40 PM in Business Effectiveness  |  Permalink  |  Comments (3)  |  TrackBack (0)

Comments

Commentor

Right on! Giving 'good phone' is respectful and says a lot to the person you're calling. I don't like being on the phone while I'm working on something else anyway. Multi-tasking makes my head hurt.

Posted by: Justin Snyder  |  January 15, 2010 at 01:14 PM

Commentor

I agree 100%. Whenever I make an important call, or do a conference call, I am always at home. I get everything I need ready: notes, coffee, pens, mic, etc. Then, 15 minutes before it starts, I go to the bathroom.

Then I sit and just think about the call. What are the outcomes? What do I want to accomplish? What do I want to communicate? What do I want the other people to commit to? Where are they coming from? What are their values? What are they looking for?

Then, at the appointed hour, I am ready for the call. With the appropriate environment and preparation, I know the call is going to be a success.

Posted by: George  |  January 11, 2010 at 05:51 PM

Commentor

Let's also not forget the safety hazard that Driving and phoning is. Hang up the phone and drive - the life you save may be your own or (more importantly) someone you love's.

Posted by: David Nottingham  |  January 11, 2010 at 05:30 PM

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