When to use the phone or send an email

- Communication choices used to be simple.…If someone worked in your office,…you'd meet with them face to face.…If they worked anywhere else, you'd call them,…or maybe mail them a letter.…Nowadays, the situation has gotten more complex…because we have another major option, email.…It's fast, efficient, and always on,…but there are notable shortcomings too.…When should you call people,…and when should you use email?…Here's how to decide.…The first question to ask yourself…is whether the person you're communicating…with has a clear preference.…

If someone's in a powerful position,…like you boss, or a valued client,…and they have a strong opinion about email versus the phone,…honor it.…Even if it's not the optimal way for you to do business,…or to use that medium,…just do what they like.…You might as well keep them happy.…So, adapt to their preferences.…But what if the person doesn't have a particular preference?…Or it's a colleague with equal standing…that you don't need to bend over backwards for?…In that case, think of it this way.…