This cartoon is based on a real conversation I had with a matrix manager.
Companies set up a matrix organization structure in order to connect people across the traditional silos of functions and locations. We spend time and effort to get people to communicate more.
Unfortunately, once people get the message, there is often an explosion of communication on the basis that if communication is good, then more communication must be better!
In many organizations “a lack of communication” is now a problem of the past. The problem today is too much, poor quality, communication. Increasing the volume of communication will not help this problem.
Research has shown that team effectiveness and communication have a curvilinear relationship – too little communication can cause problems with performance, but so can too much.
On average people tell us they spend 40% of their time in meeting (or which less than 50% is relevant) and receive 56 emails per day (half of which are not necessary). See how you compare with our survey of over 1,100 people here
We believe the challenge today is to reduce the volume and then work on improving the quality.
Has your company found any smart ways to do this? Or do you disagree – join the debate!
Mobile phones are a major driver of this . Just because you communication you do. It is amazing how, whenever you overhear a conversation how pointless it is! It think too many people think communicating is work when it is not!
My favourite – “I am on the train” – fascinating stuff. I agree – the problem is hearing the few vital messages hidden within the mass of trivial communication.
My experience says that often the word communication should be written differently: communi-action.
I agree, when I learnt about communication it was the responsibility of the sender to ensure the message got through. It is too easy to “fire and forget” an email message and assume the communication is done.
If it does not make people do something it may just be waste of time.
I particualrly hate the “I sent you a link to my team room” message, hardly anyone ever follows these links
Hi Kevan, nice recommodation in your book about e-mails which are dropped as CC’s.
You just delete them! ( if you have the guts)
🙂
Now, I have to explain to the most of my colleagues only “Sent To” mails will be read and handled.
Challenging job!
You are right, the challenge is to explain what you are doing so people are not offended – clear, shared expectations are key.
It is the same with meetings, even though everyone hates them people can still be upset if you just stop showing up. If you share the ideas from the book with them I am sure they will “get it” – and maybe stop sending them!