Taking conversations offline

…We all know that email is quick, inexpensive and convenient.…Therefore, it saves time and money, and…should always be the preferred communication channel.…But wait, if that's true, then why do many senior…executives and managers believe that email may actually hamper productivity?…Part of using email effectively is therefore, knowing when not to…use email, or in other words, when to take that conversation offline.…Consider taking a conversation offline if the message is…long and complex and additional discussion will be necessary.…

For example, a supervisor who is giving you feedback on your work performance.…A face to face discussion would be much more valuable.…Or the information is highly confidential.…For example, providing your manager with…information about a sexual harassment case.…That email message can be shared in a…forward and a copy is permanently on hard drive.…Do you want an easily accessible paper trail?…Consider if immediate input is needed.…People are not always going to be in front of their computers, staring…