Simple Project Management Software is not perfect!
I just read the newest post from Gina Trapani on the Harvard Business blog. She makes a good point that sometimes it just makes sense to pick up the phone and deal with an issue directly. We are in the business of online project management software. As such, you might expect me to preach that everything should be tracked and maintained through the centralized trusted system for project work – Pelotonics.
There is tremendous utility and long-term efficiency that comes from the proper and frequent use of a system like Pelotonics, but sometimes there is no substitute for a face-to-face conversation or a phone call.
Email is asynchronous; that’s a positive and a negative. I am sure that all of you have been party to the never ending email string where everyone contributes just enough information on each response to push it forward to no conclusion. Some of these endless email strings can be cleared up and clarified in a quick five minute real-time interchange.
Let’s not forget technologies like Skype! The phone is great, but it is not reliable. Skype gives a tremendous view into the availability of coworkers and, if not abused, can provide instant access at appropriate times. It is still quasi asynchronous so it has the benefits of email and none of the draw backs of the phone. I am about to hold a call with a remote worker across the country via Skype. In my mind, this beats a phone call and email at the same time. We get the benefits of a phone conversation injected with file sharing, text-based information and video if we are feeling like it.
Gina’s points are well taken. It is amazing that we live in a world with such amazing technologies that allow us to increase the efficiency of communication. Now, if you will excuse me, I need to get on a Skype call with a team member of mine!
What do you use to communicate with team members?
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