May 3, 2008     Success     no comments     Permalink, Trackback

When it comes to digital communication (email, instant messaging, and web content like this blog), I always had the perception that such a communication medium is not ideal for human interaction because it cannot carry feelings. I mean, the writer’s feelings are not carried over such a bit-based infrastructure.

Put aside face to face meetings, compare the internet to phone communication. Over the phone, and even though the communicating parties cannot (most of the time) see each other, they can still know the other party’s mood and attitude. It is the voice and its pitch and intonation that can describe it all. I bet you can also know when the other speaker is smiling… Can’t you?

Of course the idea is simple. Digital media cannot carry voice intonation, cannot show the other party’s attitude, and of course the receiver’s reading capability govern his perceptions over what is being said.

Well, I guess I was wrong.

In one of the emails addressed to all team members I wrote just yesterday, I started the email with a lot of gratitude for their positive contribution, and ended it with more assurance regarding success and bright future. I was happy things are moving in the right direction and I made it clear that “with such a team … the sky is the limit”.

That did not go unnoticed. Almost all of the email recipient came back either by email or through the phone to say thank you. They were all happy with the project status so far and they are all looking forward for further successes.

I simply find it so hard to describe how happy I was with the response. It is unusual to get that much feedback given the current situation and project activities, and that made me wonder about the reason behind that positive reaction.

Let’s go back to the basics, communication is mutual. It goes both ways give-and-take, like playing a ball. The receiver reaction will surely be different if you throw the ball too hard or too soft, the game will not be harmonious, and one of the parties will stop playing and leave the playground probably not coming back again.

So what’s the catch? Isn’t it all about attitude.

When it comes to writing an email or communicating through instant messaging, one’s attitude lies in the choice of the words, the structure and length of the sentence, and above all the implicit hidden between-the-lines message. And those define the overall mood, the impact on the reader, and solicit for the proper response.

You need a positive response, start with a positive message first. Simple right… Not every time… Needs some work… Regardless, it is worth it. If you’re saying “thank you” say it with passion, and believe that the recipient will surely notice.

 attitude, communication, positive thinking, self development, success