In our weekly 'Top Job' column, we ask contributors what they consider the most overrated tool in HR. Nine times out of ten, they come back with 'e-mail'. Although we once considered it a panacea for our workplace communications ills, its shortcomings are becoming ever more evident.
Here's what Dr Cliff Sparrowhawk, a director at CQL Group, has to say:
"A project manager friend recently commented on her frustration that colleagues in adjacent seats e-mail each other to communicate information. What do you expect from engineers, I responded jokingly. It's ubiquitous and there is plenty of literature with compelling evidence about e-mail inefficiencies. A common emotion expressed by the sender is relief at job done. The 'phew in the sender' engenders somewhat more mixed feelings in those on the receiving end. Some people keep assiduous bring-up systems for unanswered mail and constantly wing off reminders. Of course e-mail has its place but instilling some disciplines carefully tuned to match your culture and operation requirements can help de-stress some of the workforce at least. A recent article drawing on Maggie Jackson's book, 'Adapted from Distracted' raises a key concern with e-mails especially cited as being stifling to creative thought as the tendency to rapid response grows ever more intense ability to concentrate on other important tasks is dissipated".
Jackson's '10 ways to quell distraction in an attention-deficient age':
1. Speak a language of attention
2. Be wary of interruptions
3. Practice message restraint
4. Focus on one another
5. White space
6. Cut back on multitasking
7. Eat mindfully
8. Meditate
9. Hit the pause button
10. Be a role model for focus
