I am going to do the unthinkable: I am not going to blog about my trip to Europe. I had every intention to do so, and now, I simply can’t seem to contrive a post about it all – too much. I will post a few of my favorite moments when I am ready. Moving on…
I once read Dale Carnigie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People and one of his points that still resonates with me years later is that no matter how much time passes or how technologically advanced we become, there is nothing that can replace face-to-face interfacing.
A few professional observations:
Allin Interactive – a turnkey interactive television company that I used to work for – would send me overseas for just a meeting or two in Italy. A thousand dollars and ten hours later, I would arrive at their headquarters for an hour long discussion. At first, I thought this was an absurd gesture; a waste of money. But, now, upon reflecting, it made all the difference with our Italian clients. Speaking on the phone with them or video conferencing was an option, but even then, there were always things lost in transition. Simply put, face-to-face communication and the act of being physically present went a long way with these folks. This could be attributed to cultural differences or an old-fashioned business module, or…neither. I think it provided a sense of trust that as their Account Manager, I would be there for them, even though I was stationed in Miami, Florida, located an entire sea and thousands of miles away. When their CEO disliked a decision that was made four stories down, they needed someone they could contact and that could get them results… fast.
I have been in the process of relocating to Austin, Texas. As such, I have been company hunting and searching for potential job opportunities. I found what would seemingly be the perfect job for me – a kaleidoscope of travel, education and project management. I applied through the traditional online means, but I wanted to stand out; I wanted to show that I had more initiative than the other applicants. My decision to bring a second, nicely presented printed copy to the director came about and I did not think twice. Sadly, the director was out-of-office, but I left my information with an advisor within the same department. I am still waiting to hear back, but I hope that my efforts are not in vain. Not only was I disappointed that I could not get my face time, but I was also disappointed because I wanted to see how my little experiment would play out. I guess I’ll have to report back when I know for certain.
A few personal observations:
I am not afraid of much. I am, however, terrified of awkward situations, confrontation and generally uncomfortable predicaments. The thought of disclosing information that could be potentially disappointing, sad, or angering scares me to death. I couldn’t imagine ever being a doctor having to tell an individual that a loved one has passed away. The things I am afraid of are much more insignificant, and although I am improving, I am still scared of the following (this list is not exclusive or all-encompassing, but simply serves as a glimpse of the situations I am afraid of): giving a leave notice at work, telling your significant other than you no longer want to be with them, revealing to a friend that their significant other is cheating on them, telling a friend that you are dating their crush, telling a friend you have a crush on them, asking someone that owes you money for that money back, telling someone you are very ill, telling someone you crashed their car, etc. I could probably go on for a long time with these scenarios, but I think that they all require, no – they deserve, an in-person conversation. Wouldn’t you be more angry or upset if these things were disclosed via text message?
Dating: OK, I understand that online dating has really worked for some people and that some others have no choice but to partake in long distance Skype love affairs, but if that can be replaced or somehow amended to include more personal contact, why wouldn’t you do it? I simply don’t see how people can spend a few months’ time chatting online and over the phone without actual contact and then get married. Call me crazy, but I believe that relationships are established and maintained through a series of trials and tribulations; without these, how are you going to know how your significant other will react in “X” situation? How can you really know if you are the fit for one another? This may sound ridiculous, but what if you meet them in person and are repulsed/ no longer find them attractive / they have chronic personal hygiene issues, etc. etc.? I am just saying – it could happen.
There are lots of reasons why I think no other form of communication trumps the face-to-face medium, but, I digress…
