Limit Constant Communication to Get More Done

emailYou might be surprised to hear that some successful executives deliberately limit their phone and email use. It’s not easy to manage a team by phone — though phone conversations are a fine way to broadcast simple information, thoughtful listening while on the phone can be challenging. If you need to exchange and analyze ideas, you’re better off meeting in person, so try holding your most important conversations face-to-face. Also consider that some cognitive processes happen only when you step away from the frenetic responsiveness of email — and that your 24-hour availability might hamper your team’s initiative. Weaker team members may rely on your responses, but you and your team will get more done if they work more autonomously.