How do you communicate?

Having worked in an office environment for the past 4 years, I've noticed a sharp divide between the older and younger generations on the subject of communication. When older folks need to ask a question or arrange a meeting, they prefer to talk to someone, either face to face or on the telephone. Younger folks like myself find it much easier to fire off a quick email, or if it's available, instant message someone. Each generation finds the other's method of communications annoying.

For me, I find it so much more efficient to send an email. I don't have to waste time exchanging meaningless pleasantries with someone I don't know before getting down to business, and all the information is written down, so I can review it later if I've forgotten something. I'm not insulted if someone emails me instead of calling (in same cases I'm relieved). This isn't to say I don't mind getting phone calls, but I've worked with people who would insist on phoning me to tell me that they'd just emailed me something. That infuriates me, but I've heard more than one older person complain that "All people do anymore is email, and I don't feel that's personnal enough".

What do you guys think?

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by PiccoloNamek

I'd much rather talk to someone over IM than face-to-face or over the phone, unless it's someone I care about or actually want to meet. It is much easier for me to formulate and organize my thoughts when writing than it is when speaking.

I don't have any problems having spoken conversations with people, though. What I do have a big problem with is calling people on the phone. I hate doing it, and I'd be happy if I never had to touch another phone again. When presented with a choice of either using the phone or sending an e-mail or message, I will pick the latter two 100% of the time unless the matter is utterly urgent.

Bingo! You've nailed my attitude exactly. Alice's comment that the younger generation has stunted personal communications skills has merit, but I'm old enough to remember life without the internet, and I've always been this way. I'm not averse to picking up the phone if I need to have a dialogue with someone (back and forth, working something out), but if it's a simple, "Hey, could you do this task for me" or "Can we set up a meeting next week", it's just plain easier to send an email.

There's nowhere I can't reach.