General

Calling Is Rude

Not because I’m a millennial that’s addicted to texting, or because I’m afraid of talking on the phone. But because I genuinely believe that text is the best form of communication for most situations.

We respond to emails and texts on our own time. An incoming message comes through, we see it (assuming we’re in a position to do so), and we get to decide how and when to respond.

If it’s an urgent request, we can spring into action. If we’re working on something else that’s more important, then we can add the newest task to our to-do list.

We don’t have this luxury when we get a call, an IM, or have someone stop by in person.

All of these types of communication are supposed to be handled immediately. We talk to someone when they come to see us, we feel the need to respond when the flashing IM icon comes up, and we intuitively pick up the phone when it rings, sometimes even when we’re in the middle of another conversation (which is crazy in its own rite, but a topic for another time.)

So when a real-time request comes in, it ruins our work flow. If we’re not diligent about our priorities, we get sucked into working on a less-important task, just because it feels urgent. Even if we stand strong and tell the person to call back at another time, any working momentum that we had is lost.

So overall, I highly prefer written communication for most tasks. When done properly, it’s efficient and respectful. However, there are, of course, situations in which it makes sense to communicate in real-time.

Anything that requires more than a handful of emails would probably be better handled over the phone, or in person. Same thing if there are likely to be emotional undertones that can’t properly be expressed via text, when we’re catching up with close friends and family, and a variety of other reasons.

But the key thing is to realize is that phone calls aren’t free.

-Brandon