The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

CHOOSING YOUR MEDIUM / 253

Speaking provides a richer context—

it includes the use of nonverbal cues

and allows for more emotion. This

communication form is less rigid,

as it leaves no permanent record.

It may also be much quicker.

Speaking to others also invites

their participation. It may be the

best way to elicit ideas, size up

other people’s feelings, and even

discover any possible objections

to your message before decisions

have been made and formalized

in writing. Once something is

written down, people tend to feel

committed to that course of action,

even if the documents can easily

be revised. A conversation or

discussion, on the other hand,

has a more transitory feel to it:

it is flowing and flexible, and less

permanent and formal than written

forms of communication.

TURN OFF THE

AUTOMATIC PILOT

Don’t just choose the easiest

form of communication. Stop,

consider your options, and

choose the right channel and

medium for your message.

Tip

In focus

THE PLATINUM RULE

We’re all familiar with the old rule:

“Do unto others as you would have

them do unto you.” It’s a good rule,

but it contains a small flaw. What

if others don’t want to receive the

same treatment as you? What if their

preferences are, in fact, significantly

different? The Platinum Rule,

devised by communication expert

Tony Alessandra, who has advised

When to speak

companies such as Apple, Ford,

and IBM, is a variation of that

age-old maxim: “Do unto others

as they want to be done unto.”

This means treat others as they

want to be treated, not how you

think they should be treated.

Communicate with others in

the manner that they prefer and

you’ll get what you want: their

time, attention, and cooperation.

US_252-253_Choosing_Your_Medium.indd 253 30/05/16 3:04 pm