As the leader of a company, and a self-confessed extrovert, I’m constantly communicating: phone calls, e-mails, IMs, Facebook and Twitter messages, blog posts and comments, presentations and panels. It’s a pretty exhausting list, and each has its own unique set of protocols and time commitment.
I’ve noticed that while new avenues for interaction increase communication opportunities, my ability to effectively use these various tools is diminished a little each time I add a new one. Not to mention that adding too many social media tools decreases my ability to spend time hanging out in real life, where, let’s face it, the majority of business and real conversation happens.
Social media conversations have their place—to create and maintain connections based on shared values. They allow us to connect in a deeper, ongoing sense with people without a lot of effort, and that’s a plus.
And yet, there is a growing sense of anxiety that we can’t keep up with it all. While I’m committed to a few online communities and platforms, I will not sacrifice my face-to-face connections. Nor do I want to transition all my online connections into the face-to-face environment. At the same time, I will never shut myself off from connecting with more people. Social media conversation for sure, but face-to-face conversations as well! Consistently and with passion!
But that’s sometimes easier said than done. Are you feeling this same anxiety? And how are you handling it?
Share your thoughts with Duncan here or on his Twitter page.
Posts
comments