Enough is enough with the conference calls

By Brian Maynor

 

Donna Summer sang it best, “Enough, is enough, is enough, I can’t go on, I can’t go on no more no…” and while she wasn’t singing about conference calls the sentiment is the same.

My husband seems to live on conference calls from the time he walks into the office until he walks into the door at home, and as his spouse I get frustrated for him, and I’m not the one on the calls.  It’s impossible to get anything done with a phone glued to your ear for 8-10 hours a day, and let’s be honest most conference calls aren’t productive anyway.

So why do we keep scheduling them?  Especially given the fact that we have the technology to not only cut meeting times in half, but to boost engagement in discussions and overall productivity.

Videoconferencing technology has been around for years, it’s easy to use and built-in to our phones and computers, yet, it is still pushed aside for emails and phone calls, two of the most unproductive, time-time consuming modes of communication.

While we may not like seeing ourselves on screen, the benefits far out way our vanity, so we all need to just get over it and start videoconferencing immediately.  Here are three of the most powerful arguments supporting the use of videoconferencing:

1.   Meetings take half as long.  Whether it’s a technology issue, or the fact that the attendees are distracted, or a combination of the two the fact is conference calls never happen in real time.  When we have to spend time reeling in a tangent thoughts, clarifying misunderstandings because someone wasn’t paying attention and recapping what was just said because people were talking over each other what should have taken 30 minutes ends up taking 60 to 90 minutes, and it still feels like nothing was accomplished.

2.    We understand and engage more.  Countless studies and personal experiences prove that face-to-face meetings are more productive and effective than phone calls and emails because of the non-verbal cues.  These are just as powerful as any words when it comes to understanding and relating to others, as well as building trust and comprehending information.  Videoconferencing allows us to utilize these cues as if we were face-to-face.  Add to that the fact that when we’re on the screen we can’t hide in any sense of the word.  Everyone can see us, what we’re doing and if we’re participating.

3.    Better decisions are made.  When more people are engaged in the conversation and sharing of information better decisions are made.  A study was conducted on teams using videoconferencing and they all reported feeling higher levels of collaboration and open discussions than they did over conference calls or even email.

The phrase “phoning it in” exists for a reason, and that’s because phone calls allow us to sit back, detach and disengage from the conversation.  Videoconferencing forces us to stay present, focused and engaged because we can’t hide, which means we spend more time working and less time meeting.

 

 

 

 

I’m always excited to hear from you, so please email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected].

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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