Why Smart People Choose The Path Of Least Resistance In Communication
And 6 smart ways to overcome the annoyance and inefficiency of this behavior
Nutshell Nudge
We keep mindlessly shooting messages, requests, and information through whatever social or communication channel is at our fingertips. We think we are faster and smarter, but we become superficial, inefficient, and annoying.
Are you one of those people who receive messages via a multitude of communication channels and expected to spend your time checking all of them, right now and reply to them yesterday? And the fun part is of course to figure out and remember who wrote you on which channel so you can get back to them on a different channel – just for the heck of it.
Here is one that really got to me. A friend wrote in a string of several comments that were made to my post on LinkedIn that she is coming to town and if I were around. No word about the content of the post, just out of the blue in the comment section that she wants to see me when in town.
Seriously?
Am I too old-fashioned or are people too thoughtless and inconsiderate that they continuously blast out stuff on random communication channels whatever pops up in their heads?
Have you noticed that people wonder why you haven’t replied to their message but they can’t even remember on which channel they wrote to you? And you are supposed to check some twenty-five possible social and communication channels in case someone wrote somewhere some important info?!
But let’s face it. There ARE too many channels to choose from and we just mindlessly grab and use whatever just pops up at our fingertips.
We can discuss what kind of absurd way of communication this is.
Instead, let’s do this. Let’s first have a look at why we behave like this.
Humans tend to choose the way of least resistance.
The Principle Of Least Resistance
Rushing through our day we tend to behaviors that are the easiest at the moment. For us. Not for the others. So, we chose the way of least resistance.
Cal Newport describes this phenomenon in his book Deep Work as the principle of least resistance. He shows some examples in a business setting.
It is easier to interrupt a co-worker with a question or request and get an immediate answer than having to plan, organize and wait for addressing the co-worker.
It takes seconds to thoughtlessly forward emails with a few words added to them, such as “your thoughts on that?” instead of carefully crafting a more specific question for the email recipient to make it easier for him to answer that email.
It is easier to just use the principle of least resistance to make your way through and waste the time of the recipient as long as you, the sender, save yourself some time.
But if you are at the other end and you are the recipient of those kinds of shallow, quick, annoying communications – then you understand how uncool this is.
Unfortunately, as the cost of this behavior is not easy to “measure”, you don’t “feel” the consequences right away. That makes it harder to change. We keep behaving this way.
Now, let’s look at how we can simplify our life and that of others.
6 Smart Ways How To Overcome The Least Resistance Behavior
1- Be Aware
A good starting point is simply to be aware of this behavior.
When you get this kind of message, and you get annoyed, you become aware of it. This is a reminder to not behave like this to others.
2- Reply Through Your Regular Channel Of Communication
When I happen to see a message, I got on Instagram for example (and I don’t use Instagram to send people messages) I send my reply by WhatsApp or Email. Perhaps I even copy the message I received and put it into the other communication channel. Sounds like too much work?
This way I can make sure the exchange can continue more productively and efficiently.
We are already scattered enough. If I have to look through all kinds of messaging channels to find the one I am looking for because I can’t remember through which of the many platforms I communicated with this person, I waste time, energy, and nerves.
3- Let The Other Know
When you send off your response tell include a brief note that you would appreciate the communication exchange to be continued on this channel you are now sending the response.
4- Do It Yourself
You don’t want to fall into that trap yourself….sending messages from random channels with spontaneous questions to some friend you just happened to see on Instagram.
You like to get a grip on your time and mental space, and you appreciate it if others don’t take your precious time and availability for granted. Grant that approach also to others.
5- Slow Down
Slowing down helps to get some thinking space and make better decisions. If you decelerate a bit you get a clearer mind and think first before you talk or write.
6- Pay Attention
Ever noticed when you make the effort to actually pay attention to what and how you communicate, which channel, which information, or which tone – it makes a difference? The quality of replies you get back depends on the quality of information you send out.
Be Smart
We end up stressing ourselves and others with this very often thoughtless way of shouting our messages through any channel there is. With a little bit more discipline we can be less superficial, inefficient, and annoying and instead more considered, efficient, and pleasant.
Who gives, receives. When we give attention, we get attentive behavior back.
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