Pick up the phone. Knock on the door.
"When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but creatures of emotion." Dale Carnegie
We've gone digital instead of personal. Automated employee engagement applications tout manager - employee interaction. Texting and emailing from the palm of our hands replaces real conversations even in the same building. Nobody 'picks up a phone' anymore. We swipe (or ignore) the vibrating, chiming device in our pocket which has come to dominate our lives. Zoom (or the like) meetings have replaced the effort we used to put forth assembling, interacting, bonding, and problem solving. Even many doorbells are now mini cameras where the occupant can communicate without opening the door. Indeed, I'm not alone in noticing this. Technology dominance has seeped into our dinner table conversations, comedy routines, and other social circles. Have our handheld computers replaced our ability to call or visit other people?
The pendulum has not swung completely in the thumb-swiping direction. There are some indicators that human interaction is surviving or returning. At a recent workforce conference I learned that a good percentage of the Z Generation desires to work in a location with other people versus working from home. Many companies brought their people back to the office post-pandemic, either full-time or using a hybrid work from home/work in the office approach. Nothing beats human interaction.
Though I have known this for some time and technology has been in the modern workplace for years, I still find it a fascinating phenomenon. It returns to my psyche at different times when I see the pendulum swing toward the swipe. Recently when I was speaking with a transitioning service member, he mentioned how he sent his resume to several businesses electronically, through their website or via hiring applications such as Indeed. He had not heard anything. I immediately thought, "Pick up the phone. Knock on the door."
I've coached people, especially veterans, that they cannot ride their impressive resume into their encore life. I also offer that their next job will not come from someone reading their resume and calling them or from some hiring platform. It will come from a network; From meeting other people in the industry you choose who can vouch for you when the time comes. "Yes, I know Phillip. We met through LinkedIn and had coffee. He would be a good fit for our team." I coach them to 'knock on the door.'
Of course, many large companies have automated their hiring processes. It is completely possible, while standing in a business to be directed to its website to fill out an application. If it were me, I would do that, then follow up through LinkedIn or by picking up the phone to speak with someone on the team about opportunities there. This approach works especially well with small businesses. Most of them do not have people designated to handle the recruiting and hiring process. By knocking on the door, looking presentable, and offering one's service to the team, an opportunity can be found.
I'm guilty too. I've fallen victim to the thumb swipe, text, and email. Often I'll catch myself then course correct and dial a number or get off my duff and visit the location of the person I wish to interact with. This interpersonal approach has served me well and it saves bundles of time. Pick up the phone and or knock on the door for whatever you need. Put yourself in front of another person. Go personal instead of digital.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell