Vice Boss and Emails

In the USAF, the Wing Chaplain reports directly to and is supervised by the Vice Wing Commander. I have an outstanding boss. Very smart about lots of thing and really cares about people. He does have one flaw however...he is a huge Ohio State fan. I will overlook that for now.

One thing he says constantly is how much he hates e-mail. This took some getting use too. I thought I loved email...efficient, direct and a receipt of what was communicated.

After his encouragement to do less emailing and more face to face talking, I have come to realize what I was missing. There is such power in face to face conversations. Here are some things I have learned in emailing less and talking face to face more:

• I learn way more about the person and/or situation
• I get immediate feedback on how the message is received by seeing non-verbal communication clues
• I am funnier! It is true...I love to laugh, but I rarely try to be funny in emails because I don't know how it will be taken...face to face I can joke more and I am hilarious! Just ask me. 
• I get things done faster (harder for someone to say "no" to my face)
• I get more exercise by walking all over the base meeting people
• I get more credibility by taking the time to visit someone on their "turf"

Emails still have their place, but when in doubt I am doing all I can to have as many face to face conversations.

"The Word become an email and dwelt among us" said no Gospel ever!