Forgive me, but I feel the need to repeat myself on the subject of communication. This was posted a year ago on The View from Here, and sadly not much has changed. In fact I think the problem’s gotten worse.
Emails, voicemails and text messages are all acceptable means of communication in our technologically advanced society. I believe that no matter which method you choose to deliver your message, a response would be an appropriate expectation, right?
Sometimes I really wonder if I’m completely invisible or dead and don’t know it.
It seems no matter how I choose to communicate (personally or professionally) people don’t always feel that compelled to get back to me with a proper response.
But maybe it really isn’t me. George Bernard Shaw once wrote that “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”
Maybe society has simply lost the ability to remember what they have and have not done. I mean what other reason could there be for not responding (in a timely manner) to a legitimate phone call, email or text message seeking additional information or answering a question?
But then I remember that today’s society is severely lacking in two important characteristics: to be well-mannered and respectful.
If someone reaches out to me, regardless of the method, I will get back to them in a timely fashion because that’s what I would hope would be extended to me.
Yes, I understand we’re all very busy these days. But chaotic schedules should NEVER be an excuse for a lack of courtesy. I don’t think I’m asking for too much here, am I?
I thought this anonymous quote was a fitting end for my rant. “What is the shortest word in the English language that contains the letters: abcdef? Answer: feedback. Don’t forget that feedback is one of the essential elements of good communication.”
