Don't put it in writing

At a recent meeting I was facilitating we were exploring how to keep absent members updated on the discussions and decisions we had been part of during the day.

At first, there was general agreement that writing them up as notes and sending them to those who could not attend was the least offensive and most effective way to pass on this important information.

But I wonder how you would feel if a summary of the meeting arrived in written form? Would you read it? Would it be a high priority for you to go through it in detail? Would you feel included? Would you feel fully informed?

Probably not.

Email - and particularly the ability to attach documents to email - has made it easy for us to wimp out of having to speak to people in person. We use the excuse "I don't want to interrupt him/her so I will just send an email which they can read at their leisure". And that is fine for quick questions which need a simple response.

But to try to communicate subtle messages, encourage a sense of inclusion, or pass on difficult feedback, the written word is a poor alternative to a personal conversation.

Next time you have something to say, don't write it. Say it.