OK, here is a quick rant…USE THE PHONE! (End of rant) Sure, email is a revolutionary communication medium. I can’t imagine doing what I do without the marvels of one-way time-independent available anywhere communication via email. I love it.

The problem that I have is that so many people have become overly (if not exclusively) dependent on email as a way of communication that they outright avoid using the telephone.

I have to admit that there are times when I fall into the trap of using email when I really should be calling. I’m guilty too. When I realize I’ve fallen into the trap I know it’s generally from laziness or fear.

Sometimes I catch myself starting to write and email when I think to myself “Why don’t I call?” It has become a good habit to question my use of email, especially if its something that would be much better handled by calling, especially difficult situations.

I know that many people are stuck at a desk and sitting next to their co-workers or boss in an open-plan office so it’s hard to talk if it is not directly work-related (or even if it is and you have something to hide), but it seems like the majority of people have shifted to an over-dependence on email at the expense of more effective two-way communication by phone.

My theory is that many of us over-use email and under-use the telphone. What do you think? What is your communication style? I welcome your comments to this post.