It's Good To Talk

Introduction

I have just taken on a new responsibility at work, administering system faults. As I looked at the situation I started to see similarities with life outside of work, and let's face it work is generally something we do because we have to.

At work, I see many things as just more puzzles to solve, and I love solving puzzles or trying to solve them (I often fail at Quordle).

The music is "Talk, Talk" by Talk Talk because that is what this is about.

So Why Is It Good To Talk?

When I used to report issues I used to just wait for something to happen, and to be fair it eventually did. Often I was asked by text for more information and this would go on for a while until the solution was arrived at.

So I started in the same way, asking people if they were ok with my solution, and I needed an answer to resolve the problem. Then I thought I have a phone and Teams, I can video call, and so I did.

And everyone was really helpful, telling me that all was good, they just had forgotten to get back to the ticket, but with a thirty-second phone call I could close the situation down.

I won't do this for every problem, but it is a very quick and simple way of dealing with situations.

Then I look at applying this to real life.

Some people just text and hope for a response, sometimes getting agitated when the response doesn't come. I often jump in with a phone call and a possible voice message, or even better seeing whoever it is face to face though sometimes that is not a possibility, but we do have video calling options. The face to face phrase reminded me of the Siouxsie and the Banshees song from "Batman Returns" a favourite of my two daughters.

Talking in person to someone is the quickest way to get whatever needs doing done. It might be just a catch-up, but often they turn into marathon sessions and may be difficult if it is a lunchtime session and you need to get back to work.

Ironically, and this is something that my daughter Kirsty pointed out, if you are around a table in a real meeting with real people and someone needs something from you, you have to take notes and then get and send the information when the meeting has finished. If you are in a Teams meeting you have everything to hand and can share things immediately, but I do regard a Teams call as a real face-to-face meeting.

Texts and Emails are good for have proof of what happened. I used emails profusely when dealing with French workers when I worked for Morgan Stanley. They didn't speak English and I didn't speak much French, not enough to hold a conversation at work, so email was the safest way.

Though face-to-face is usually the best way there are always exceptions and I have just given you one.

I think I am unusual in the I always respond quickly to things, when I see others that let communications just sink down their list. I once knew a mangaer who told me he was too important to answer emails but complained every time people didn't immediately respond to his wishes.

Conclusion

Talking to people is always good and usually gets the results required. They might not be what you originally expected but they will probably be the best outcome for all.

THank you for reading this, I truly appreciate your support.