Email vs phone calls in construction communication

My "Rule of Three" for Digital Communication I killed a €50,000 deal by sending an email when I should have called. The message was perfect.  The timing was right.  The price was agreed. But I chose the wrong medium. And that single choice killed months of relationship building. Here's the thing: HOW you communicate often matters more than WHAT you communicate. After years of closing (and losing) deals across cultures, I developed my "Rule of Three" for choosing the right communication channel: The Rule of Three: Match the medium to the moment 1. The Complexity Check If it takes more than 3 paragraphs to explain → Pick up the phone If there are 3+ decision-makers involved → Schedule a meeting If you need to clarify 3+ points → Don't email, call 2. The Cultural Context In Sweden: Email first, call later (respect their planning culture) In Bosnia: Call first, email for confirmation (relationships before documentation) With Americans: Text for speed, email for record With Germans: Everything in writing, even after calls 3. The Emotional Temperature Good news? Any medium works Bad news? NEVER email - always call or meet Confusion or misunderstanding? Video call beats 20 emails Negotiations? Face-to-face wins every time 📧 Email is best for: Documentation and follow-ups Non-urgent updates When time zones make calls impossible 📱 Calls are best for: Building rapport quickly Clarifying complex issues Delivering sensitive information 💬 Messages (WhatsApp/Slack) are best for: Quick confirmations Informal check-ins Time-sensitive but simple updates 🤝 Meetings are best for: Major decisions Relationship building Creative problem-solving Remember: The most perfectly crafted message fails if delivered through the wrong channel. What's your rule for choosing how to communicate? Have you ever lost an opportunity by picking the wrong medium?

Years ago, I implemented a threeemail rule: If I was replying to the same question a third time via email, I chose to pick up the phone and call. It's far more efficient. Let me share why this simple rule changed my professional life. In the early stages of my career, I found myself drowning in emails. The continuous backandforth was not only timeconsuming but also mentally draining. Emails are great for documentation, but they can sometimes be an endless loop of clarifications. I realised that after the third email exchange, clarity was still missing. That's when I decided to pick up the phone. Here are the benefits I experienced: → Instant clarity: A 5minute call often replaced 30minute email exchanges. → Building rapport: Voice communication adds a personal touch. → Faster problemsolving: Direct conversation speeds up decisionmaking. → Reducing misunderstandings: Tone and context are better conveyed. This approach didn't just save time; it built stronger relationships. In an era dominated by digital communication, a simple phone call can make a world of difference. It’s about cutting through the noise and getting straight to the point. So, next time you find yourself in an endless email chain, consider picking up the phone. It might just be the efficiency boost you need. What strategies do you use to keep communication effective? Share your thoughts!

Research in communication and organizational behavior has examined the efficiency of voice versus text-based communication methods like email and text messages. While voice communication has unique advantages in specific contexts, studies suggest it can be less efficient regarding asynchronous communication and information clarity than email or text messages. Here's an overview: Key Findings: 1. Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Communication: Voice: Communication often requires synchronous engagement or results in asynchronous exchanges like voicemail, leading to delays and back-and-forth attempts to clarify information.    Email/Text: This type of communication enables detailed, asynchronous communication, in which the sender can provide all necessary information in one interaction, minimizing the need for follow-up. 2. Efficiency in Information Retrieval: Voice: Messages require the recipient to listen sequentially, making it harder to skim or locate specific details quickly. Email/Text: Text-based communication allows for skimming, keyword searching, and easier categorization, making it more efficient for accessing specific information later. 3. Message Clarity: Voice: Ambiguity can arise due to differences in tone, pacing, or lack of immediate visual aids, often necessitating further clarification.    Email/Text: Written communication provides a more straightforward record and encourages the sender to organize thoughts systematically. 4. Cognitive Load and Interruption Costs: Research shows that voice communication can significantly disrupt workflows because it often demands immediate attention. Email or text, on the other hand, can be addressed when convenient, reducing cognitive load and interruption costs. 5. Social Presence and Connection: Voice communication may enhance perceived warmth and human connection, which can be beneficial for relationship-building but less efficient for task-oriented interactions.