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24 Comments on Failure to Communicate!
Joan, For professional purposes, the email trail is very handy, and as long as we're just on facts, not TOO much room for misunderstanding. But there are times, we've just got to pick up the phone and make sure we're totally on the same page.
Phil, That's not even English, right?? :)
Harry, For us, it depends on what we're trying to communicate.
Joe, I MIGHT share some of that sarcastic streak (This is Bill here... Liz doesn't do too much sarcasm). Liberal use of smiley faces is the best we can do!
I prefer the "old fashioned" phone conversation. I have also made it a habit to use electronic media to create a apaer trail. I will follow up a phone call with an e mail that reiterates the substance and details of that conversation. There are also days when I wonder if I should have tried smoke signals or signal flags ( sarcasm?)
Just let me say one thing: Huh?
Gosh, guess I'd have to agree about the sarcasm and/or attempts at humor. There is a time and place for humor, but we do have to be aware of the receiver's frame of mind whenever possible. When sending an email regarding a transaction, it's critical to stick to the facts with absolutely NO superfluous comments. That can really come back to bite you in the hinter lands. I've never used emoticons; recon' I'd better start.
Egads, just one more thing I need to learn. %) (Is that cross-eyed?)
Phil, Definitely covers for real estate transactions! The blogosphere may be where things get squirrelly (sp?) faster! So many different interactions, so many personalities!
Tish, Huh is definitely right sometimes :)
We've got a whole different operating style for customer/agent interactions via email. Just the facts Ma'am!
But blogs and comments, obviously not as inhibited, intended to be opinion exchanges, fact exchanges too.... and that can lead to the confusion.
I don't know the %) one, but your interpretation would make sense!
I think Phillip has the perfect excuse. Some people still don't realize that e-mails can convey a certain "tone" in the same way vocal communication can.
BTW, did they come any "cooler" than Luke? Favorite, favorite, favorite movie. I guess you get that I'm a P.N. fan.
Charita, We have trouble using that excuse in Ohio! Assuming you even get the benefit of someone knowing they're upset with you! It's been quite a few years since I've watched Cool Hand in it's entirety, but so MANY classic scenes. The Failure to Communicate part is probably one of my all time favorite movie quotes.. so often applicable to real life!
Hi Liz and Bill,
I've found communicating with long distance buyers very difficult. It's hard enough face to face, trying to pull out all their information - what they want, what their reason is for buying, what their budget is - but in e-mail and even on the phone you tend to get only bits and pieces and by the time you get all the info you need to actually find them what they're looking for they've grown inpatient and moved on.
Good point! And it applies whether you are sending a client a text or email or posting a comment on a blog. Many a :>) has helped me to lighten up!
Pam, We've found that over the phone is usually the best for that process, but when they only give you an email, you work with what you can get more with them.
Pat, Emoticons can be a saver!
Ah, pulling out the old Cool Hand Luke! An awesome movie! It can be so hard in a comment or other tech communication to convey tone. I end up reading and re-reading my comments when I'm first making them and I too utilize the little :) Sometimes it works, sometimes not. We can try to convey a certain meaning, but sometimes there is just no telling how someone else will interpret it. I think there are times when people are anticipating a certain response so their perception of comments is a little skewed. C'est la vie!
Kristen, Cool Hand Luke is awesome!
I wrote this because our subscriber count went down 1 yesterday. I think I know who, but not absolutely positive. I didn't think our differing opinions were so different as to lead to that (IF it is what I think it's about... but do we ever really know??), but sometimes you get surprised :(
I REALLY don't expect us to always agree, that's just the nature of our business AND being humans!
The irony is, the unsubscribed probably won't see this! We'll keep commenting on their posts, and hopefully they come back!
Liz & Bill - This is definitely a hard one and it's good advice to give everyone the benefit of a doubt.
We've had a few comments along the line and it's a, "Are they trying to slam us?"...ahhh, nevermind. Maybe they've had a couple of evening libations :)
When in doubt, let it ride!
Donne, Emails have their own level of complexity, and sometimes the English language just can't be clear enough...the eyes of the beholder thing!
Even after having the phone or face conversation, later you may get the "But I thought you meant....". ARRGH!!
BLiz
Well, one thing I can say is that as real estate agents it is often necessary to be very precise in our communications, especially by e-mail, for the very reason you state: tone can easily be mis-interpreted. Regular blogging is actually very good for our writing communication skills and thinking clearly at the keyboard. One more reason to appreciate AR.
And when we're reading someone else's content, always best to presume the friendliest intents possible and give people the benefit of the doubt whenever possible. Not everyone has the skill or vocabulary to always say exactly what they mean...
Lisa, I think you nailed it!
And don't you just love the CAPITALS!!! Did you just shout at me? I am so careful I put a :) or a :( after almost anything. I am sarcastic enough. Don't need any more problems.
Jane, A Brit and sarcasm? You been hanging out with Simon in L.A.? Tell me it ain't so!!!
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