Thinking Things Through - July 2007

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THINKING THINGS THROUGH
JULY 2007

Telephone Connections, Simplified!

As I go about my daily business, I cannot stop noticing how telephones are used! Perhaps it stems from the memory of my father’s unforgettable “wind-it-up” gesture, reminding this former teenager that the telephone was a tool for briefly exchanging information. Perhaps it stems from my college job (at a telephone answering service) where I learned invaluable work and life skills. Perhaps it stems from my role in coordinating telephone skills training when I was a corporate educator.

Whatever the reasons for observing telephone use, here’s what I’ve learned: it’s the way we use telephones that can complicate—or simplify—our lives. In that spirit, here are a few strategies I’ve found particularly helpful.

“Is now a good time to talk?” Business or personal, this is a great question to ask at the beginning of a call. With these 7 little words, we can show respect for another’s time and give a gracious “out” to someone who is otherwise occupied. If “now” is not a good time, scheduling a time in the near future will result in a calmer and more productive conversation.

“Here’s my number.” While most numbers are revealed through Caller ID, some are not! Additionally, some people retrieve messages remotely. So unless you’re calling your best friend or someone equally close who knows exactly how to contact you, providing your number (at a moderate pace so that it can be understood) demonstrates consideration and makes it more likely that you’ll receive a return call.

“Got your message!” While many people seem to be calling every number that appears on Caller ID, I have found that life can be simpler and less frenetic if we return calls when a voice-mail message requests such an action. The simple act of listening to messages lets me know whether return calls are necessary or appropriate. At a minimum, this habit reduces “telephone fatigue,” provides a personal reminder to leave concise messages . . . and shows respect for the person who took time to leave the message.

Let me know how I can help you be a better communicator . . .
by e-mailing me at diane.grigg@prodigy.net

Diane Grigg: Speaker, Coach, Mediator
Specializing in Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution
Telephone: 847-965-8970