How to – Get Noticed Although email is a great way to connect with people, it falls short in some critical areas. Digital communication will never be an adequate substitute for meeting with someone in person.

How much distance is between you and your manager, employee, client or colleague has no relation to how conflicts can arise. With so much of how we communicate done through non-verbal behaviors, physical distance can result in an increase in the problems that arise from trying to convey our intentions.

A rule that you should consider unbreakable under any circumstances is: Never ever try to resolve a conflict using email.

With no non-verbal cue to clue people in to your intention, the receiver of your communication has to guess what you mean. Amazingly, most people make negative assumptions, not positive ones. So take the guesswork out of it. As soon as you get a sense that you are being misunderstood, DO pick up the phone. And, if you cannot talk to the person you need to in real time, DON’T leave a message that can be left open to misinterpretation. Make it clear that you need to talk to them and ask for the best time to do so.

When you get them on the phone:
• Pay careful attention to the tone of your voice. You want to sound as you intend.

• Remove distractions. You need to be focused on this conversation. If you are doing something else while talking (such as checking your email), they will get the impression that this conversation isn’t that important to you.

• Check to make sure they are hearing your message accurately by asking them.

• Listen to their tone and see if it is hesitant, uncertain or disbelieving. If it is, they may still have some doubt about your message.

Resolving conflict when you are separated by distance, even if it’s on another floor of the building, takes a little more effort and time. Clarifying the message and your intention to insure effective communication saves time in the long run.  4:07 PM •