If introverts like me had their own lexicon, surely there would be a particular word for the feeling of relief I get when I check my phone after having it silenced during a movie or a meeting and see that I have no messages.
Now, lest you think I’m just completely misanthropic, I should explain that I’m not against talking on the phone. It’s how I connect with many of my friends, who are scattered all over the world. It’s how I connect with my coaching clients. Talking on the phone allows for a different level of emotional interaction and responsiveness than email or messaging.
But most of the time, I connect with friends or clients at a pre-arranged time. Sure, occasionally a friend might call out of the blue, or a client might need a few minutes of laser coaching about a specific question. But unexpected phone calls are relatively rare in my communications eco-system. That means that when they do occur, more often than not, it’s because there’s a problem I need to take care of.
I’ve learned that deliberately choosing when to engage with other people’s questions and requests helps me manage my own energy levels and productivity. That’s why I love email: I check it when I choose to. That’s why I love voice mail.
Just because the phone rings, you don’t always have to answer it. Unless of course, that really is your work or your top priority in this moment.
Just because you’ve received new email, you don’t have to read it right now. Unless that really is your work or your top priority in this moment.
If you’re more extroverted than me, you might desire more real-time communication to keep up your energy through social connections. That’s why the same tools and systems don’t work for everyone. There’s no one-size-fits-all productivity recipe.