Team Building Resources

I recently read an article about a “30 Day E-mail Detox” and found it quite insightful on a personal level.  I’m very much addicted to my blackberry and check email continuously through-out the day and evening.  The challenge was to give it up for 30 days and then return to a more normal level or at least make a conscious choice to utilize email instead of a robotic connection.  I must admit it didn’t convince me to take the challenge but it did get me thinking about the impact of email on team dynamics. 

With Trust being on of the fundamental elements of successful teams, when teams rely on email as the number one source of communication it can leave lots of room to impact trust development.  Some things to keep in mind as it relates to email and your team:

1. The written word, even electronic is much more permanent than the spoken word so if in doubt about if you should have a conversation face to face or via email, err on the side of face to face. 
2. You lose the benefit of non verbal cues when communicating through email so if the subject is sensitive at all, again err on the side of face to face or at a minimum on the phone at least you do get to gauge response right away and clarify if needed based on a verbal response.
3. Quantity can detract from quality – its so easy to fire off quick emails, quick responses, ensure that you don’t rely on it as the sole source of communication with team members, “social” bonds are critical to team development so make sure you take time to foster them directly.

Lynn

Team Enthusiast