¿Cuáles son algunas formas conscientes de utilizar la tecnología en la comunicación interpersonal?

More important than choosing a channel suitable for you is communicating your preferred channels to others. If people know that you barely pick calls and respond promptly to emails, they will default to that. Set up automated messages containing clear, concise next steps to reach you to save yourself of some fruitless back and forth. Stick to the channel that makes you comfortable and brings out the best in you.

Choosing the right communication channel is like selecting the right tool for a job. It's about matching the medium to the message's nature. A nuanced conversation might be lost in text, and an email might be too formal for a quick update. Think of each medium as a different pitch in your communication symphony – choose wisely to create harmony, not discord. Have you found certain conversations better suited to specific channels? I communicate best with words. A lot of the people I work with function best with video. Choosing the channels that best suit or accommodate the communications preferences of all participants leads to a much smoother experience and outcome.

One of the key ways to achieve mindfulness and attention is to turn off most notifications (leaving only the crucial ones). This enables you to only see the messages or notifications when you actually check the apps and then you can batch to do this after some productive work. Technology has made us more distracted and distractible with the endless notifications and dopamine hits. You can take back control by setting aside blocks of time to do meaningful work. While at it, focus on the task at hand. Pay attention to the person (if in a meeting) and immerse yourself in the task and conversation. That is the only way to do quality work.

Being present in digital communication mirrors mindfulness in real-life interactions. It's about giving the digital world a human touch. Imagine each message as a personal encounter. Close those extra tabs, silence the pings, and imagine the person across a table, not a screen. How have you experienced the difference when someone gives you their undivided attention online? Try turning off your self camera on video calls. Does it change your experience? Does it change the experience of the person you're talking to? Good advice Dionne :)

Digital empathy bridges the gap screens create. It’s about hearing the tone behind the text and seeing the person behind the pixels. Before reacting, pause and picture the sender’s context. Maybe that abrupt email was rushed, not rude. When did stepping into someone’s digital shoes help you understand them better? Take a moment to find perspective and respond with care and attention.

A lot of people are not aware that it is OK to not respond to a message or return that call immediately. The proliferation of remote work has also blurred the boundaries or time - it now feels normal to work late evenings and weekends. Unless your work is 24/7 (most are not), do well to establish firm boundaries to protect your personal space and time. The work will always take and take - so long as you allow it. Boundaries save you. Literally. Communicate your unavailability using automated emails and messages. This is usually very helpful and let’s others know not to expect a response. Take breaks and leaves when it is due. You can always return to the work.

Setting boundaries in our always-on world is a radical act of self-care and respect for others. It’s okay to say, “I’ll respond during these hours,” or “I need a day to think about this.” This clarity isn't just polite; it’s empowering. How have boundaries improved your digital communications? I have a document that I share with partners and clients that outlines my communications preferences. One of the key understandings is that my DM's and text messages are open anytime, but unless there is a stated deadline, there are no expectations for replies. From me, or to me. Establishing those clear expectations makes for an easy and smooth process of communication.

Reflecting post-conversation in the digital space is a strategy for growth. What worked? What misfired? It’s a continuous learning curve – each interaction a lesson in digital dialects. Maybe that emoji didn't convey the warmth you intended. :) - I use the :) emoji when I would smile in real conversation. That's not how everyone uses it though. And interpretations sometimes change as fast as memes do. What recent digital interaction taught you something unexpected?