Sustainable Excellence Xtras #105 - Using Memos As a Last Resort For Communicating

When you have difficult or critical information to communicate do you let people know in person or through a memo?

Many leaders take the easy way out and put the information in a memo. That way they don't have to explain themselves or hear the feedback from their subordinates.

Here are thirteen reasons in-person communication is better than a memo from a Forbes article titled, 13 Times In-Person Communication Is Better Than Electronic Exchanges (7/17/2020):

1. When the situation requires trust building.

2. If you need to strengthen connections.

3. When trying to promote dialogue.

4. If that's what your audience prefers.

5. If the message involves emotional topics.

6. When the stakes are higher.

7. If you have to discuss volatile topics.

8. If you're starting a new relationship.

9. If you have specific concerns to communicate.

10. When you have to convey sensitive information.

11. If you feel you're not connecting emotionally.

12. When your customer is ready to buy.

13. When you need to let someone go.

There are times, such as when you're communicating to a large audience when electronic communication is more expedient, but constantly running things by email negates your credibility as a leader.

Please watch the video below to learn more about the importance of communicating information in person and leave me a comment if you have other ideas to add to the list above.