We live in unusual times but continue to use technology based tools at work to communicate in usual and predictable ways.
- We video conference.
- We call via land lines and cell.
- We text.
- We e-mail.
- We post to social media sites.
- We blog, podcast, and video.
- We create channels and websites.
- And on it goes.
We learn that all are appropriate, that each has value, and that one or the other may be preferable depending on the situation.
Technology has clearly expanded our ability to communicate in a countless number of beneficial ways. We’re not “going back” and going back in no way is the “theme” of this post. QwikCoach doesn’t want to “go back” either – we’re a virtual coaching platform!
But consider this: There may be times – limited as they may be — when “out of fashion” should be “in fashion” – especially when it comes to how we communicate.
The usual and predictable ways we leverage technology to communicate are just that and may not always be the best way to communicate especially when you have something special, different, or yes – unusual to say. Just adding to more of what’s becoming the same “ho-hum” stuff we get inundated with every day — hundreds of e-mails, text messages, and cell phone calls – may not cut it when you need to really get someone’s attention.
The flood of communication we’re subjected to can make even the most engaged feel numb. Everything sent to us by others is “important” – especially to them — and sometimes to us too — but the sheer volume of communications makes just about everything seem mundane and ordinary. There are even times when some are tempted to turn the “switch” off but of course none of us ever do that.
So what can you do if you really want to have impact? Here’s an example:
Image you’ve just completed a very difficult and time-consuming project successfully. It took your last ounce of courage, effort, and dedication — but you did it!
You arrive at work early and find an envelope on your desk. Your name is written on it! It’s a what the heck is this moment so you open it quickly – even before you check your email.
It’s a note from your boss thanking you for a job well done.
Hand written? Yep!
Sincere? Yep!
Appreciative? Absolutely!
The note ends with Come see me – there’s more I want to tell you about how impressed I am with the work you’ve done!
Last time you received such a note? Never!
How long you’ll remember receiving this note? Forever!
Beneficial impact? Amazing!
Pen and paper are clearly low tech (many would today say “no tech”). This form of “unusual” (pen and paper) may take some extra effort and may not be as efficient or cool as email or text, but stepping away from usual and predictable may make all the difference – especially on those rare occasions when you really want to have an unusual impact.
The art of the unusual – especially when it comes to how you communicate special messages — can yield some really stunning results! Give it a try!