In-Person Meetings Eliminate Miscommunication

Compiled ByTraci Purdum When it comes to communicating with employees, 92% of executives do it via e-mail, according to a recent survey initiated by Accountemps. The survey, which queried 150 executives, asked "In your opinion, how often do managers use e-mail messages as a substitute for face-to-face communications?" The responses: very often, 67%; somewhat often, 25%; not very often, 7%; don't know, 1%. While it is a convenient form of communication, the Menlo Park, Calif.-based company cautions that face-to-face meetings are more appropriate if topics will involve debate or require reaching a group consensus. "For busy managers, e-mail is the next best thing to meeting in person," says Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps. However, "face-to-face meetings reduce the potential for miscommunication, allowing individuals to share ideas and feedback with the benefit of vocal inflections, facial expressions and body language."