One of the great things about technology is that it enables us to work from anywhere, anytime. But this easy connectivity can feed our urge to instantly reply to/comment on any email, text, tweet, etc., as soon as it is posted. You have likely been the recipient of such hasty or thoughtless communication. And yet, much as we know others jump too fast on e-communications. we can't seem to train ourselves not to do it. We think we are exceptional, "quick thinkers". Or we are being efficient. And while I understand that, in work-related communications, speedy replies are often asked of us, I also know that cleaning up the mess we create through this kind of insta-response takes more time than crafting a well thought-out reply.
I am not pointing out anything new. But this problem came up frequently with my clients over the summer, especially as we've relied more and more on remote work and non-verbal communication. And I was wondering how I could help my readers. Could I give you a tool to embed this fact in your subconsciousness, so you reflexively alter your behavior and save yourself some grief?
I thought about this for a millisecond and landed on the answer: this catchy tune from the Broadway show Mean Girls. While this song is specifically about teens' indiscriminate use of texts and social media, it can also apply to anyone who uses e-communication as a professional relationship-building tool or as a way to get info out quickly. And I promise, it will become that annoying earworm that sticks around. I hope you'll hear Damian urging: "Honestly, everyone stop!" the next time you're tempted to send before you think.
