Face-to-Face

We live in a connected world. My iPhone and iPad deliver instant access to emails, Facebook friends, Twitter followers, and the latest news or sports. I can text or call anyone, anytime, and from anywhere there is a cellphone or wireless signal. During any given week I attend webinars and participate in conference calls with persons around the corner or across the globe. My weekly blog posts and monthly E-newsletter deliver leadership insights and the latest news about my firm to a variety of readers. Most of you who are reading these words know exactly what I’m talking about.

While I love the convenience and scope of my digital world it also has some drawbacks. Have you ever tried to capture the emotion of a conversation or the passion of an idea in an email? Where does a person learn the art of listening if there is never a direct conversation? Can you really foster creativity using only a computer screen and a webcam? When was the last time you solved a real problem using a Powerpoint slide show?

Steve Jobs, despite being the inhabitant of a very digital environment, knew that spontaneous meetings and random discussions were necessary for breakthrough ideas to emerge. He designed office workspaces that encouraged employees to naturally engage in chance encounters and unforced collaborations. He planned weekly meetings with his executive team that did not have a formal agenda. His vision was to create an atmosphere where real problem-solving and learning could take place without constraints.

Leaders in today’s stressful and uncertain environment should learn a few lessons from Jobs’ success. Instead of emailing endless recommendations and documentation back and forth, gather those involved in a meeting where real brainstorming can occur and solutions emerge through conversation. Limit Powerpoint presentations in favor of interactive discussions. Build relationships over coffee or tea so trust and integrity can emerge among team members. Encourage informal interaction and impromptu meetings between teams that don’t generally work together. Call a customer or client instead of sending the usual letter or email message.

The danger of digital communication is its potential to isolate. We have all been guilty of hiding behind our computer screen. It’s time for leaders at every level to emerge from their corner office or cubicle to engage their teammates and colleagues face-to-face. Rather than emailing negative feedback, learn how to deliver it directly with empathy and grace. Abandon your slide shows for more spontaneous side shows. You may just rediscover the creativity and energy that has been missing in your workplace. And along the way you could also make a few new friends.