The Lost Art of the Phone Call

... AND WHY YOUR TEAM NEEDS IT ...

The world is awash in information and grows more complex by the day. We have a myriad of communication tools at our disposal ranging from slack, email, text to social media. 

There is value in not forgetting the humble phone call.

As a CRO, I've seen firsthand how the relentless barrage of emails, Slack messages, and chats can overwhelm even the most organized teams. While these platforms are undeniably valuable, they've inadvertently created a culture where it's easier to fire off a message than to engage in a real conversation.

The Email Deluge: A Burden in Disguise

The problem with email lies in its "passive aggression." By sending an email, we implicitly shift the burden of follow-up onto the recipient. This leads to a cascade of messages, each one buried under the weight of the next, creating a sense of urgency without clarity.

Slack and chat, while offering immediacy, are not immune to this problem. Their ephemeral nature means that important details can be lost in the scroll, and the constant notifications can disrupt deep work.

Just Pick up the D*$N Phone

The phone call emerges as a powerful counterweight. It's not a technological regression, but a strategic choice. Here's why:

1. Clarity and Nuance: Voice communication allows for real-time clarification and nuanced understanding. Tone of voice, pauses, and intonation convey information that text alone cannot.
2. Building Relationships: Picking up the phone humanizes interactions, fostering trust and camaraderie among team members. It's a reminder that we're not just dealing with avatars, but with real people with unique perspectives.
3. Cutting Through the Noise: A phone call demands attention in a way that a message often doesn't. It's a signal that the matter is important and deserves focused discussion.
4. Problem-Solving Power: Complex issues are often better tackled through conversation. The back-and-forth of a phone call allows for brainstorming, idea generation, and quicker resolution.

When to Pick Up the Phone

Of course, phone calls aren't a panacea. They're not always appropriate for quick updates or simple questions. Consider picking up the phone when:

• The issue is complex or sensitive.
• You need to build rapport with a team member or client.
• You want to ensure that your message is clearly understood.
• You're feeling overwhelmed by the digital deluge.

A Leadership Imperative

As leaders in the digital healthcare space, it's our responsibility to model effective communication. By embracing the phone call, we can create a culture that values clarity, collaboration, and human connection. 

In the words of Fareed Zakaria, "The ability to think critically, to analyze information, to communicate effectively—these are the skills that will be most valuable in the 21st century." Let's add "the ability to pick up the phone" to that list.