Txt and chat messages – how YOU are driving people CRAZY!

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Short little notes via txt message and chat messages (Skype, Google Chat, Lync, Messenger, iMessage) are used for work constantly. Introduced relatively close to emails, people simply used what was available. Short little messages are common between team members, and emails are used for everything else.

What’s the difference between an email and a chat or txt message?

There is no subject line to provide context.

Exchanging information quickly is convenient, and saves everyone a lot of time. Giving a “heads up” and asking a quick question has never been easier. A phone call takes so long, and is so disruptive for busy people. Sending email has all these steps, and also appears at the end of a backlog of “work” for your recipient.

Quick messages show up right away, and sending them has fewer steps.  But what are you sending?

If you’re sending anything besides “heads up” and quick questions, you’re asking for misinterpretation.

• “Can I speak with you later?”
• “Do you have a few minutes to chat?”
• “I need to speak with you when you’re available.”

ABOUT WHAT???

Realize when you send these, someone in a bad mood from a hard day is reading this:

• “You’re being pulled off the team.”
• “That bonus you expected is not going to happen.”
• “You messed up, and now we have to talk about it.”

Quick questions about anything in the future require “re:” (“regarding”). You relieve all sorts of hesitation and stress just with a few more characters.

• “Can I speak with you later re: awesome job on report”
• “Do you have a few minutes to chat re: don’t understand last email”
• “I need to speak with you when you’re available. re: not clear about next steps”

Not only are people going to know what you’re talking about, but you’ve solved your own problem about prioritization. If you needed information immediately, you would have phoned me. The fact you’re sending a chat message means it’s not critical, so help our your friend with some information.

Apply this effectively

Next time you send a short note to someone that isn’t a direct question or an FYI, include some information by adding “re:” and an understandable reference. Don’t be misinterpreted!