Are you electronically over-connected?
An interesting article appeared in yesterday’s New York Times about the explosion of tech-enabled communication in our lives. My friend Dr. Edward Hallowell, the well-respected psychiatrist and former instructor at Harvard Medical School, says that people need human, face-to-face connection on average about every four hours. Tim Ferriss in his 4-Hour Work Week book has some good advice on this topic too.There’s no question in my mind that Hallowell’s guideline in spot on.
I advise leaders to encourage the people they are responsible for leading to connect with their colleagues over coffee breaks and lunch. It’s a must to maximize employee engagement.
I’m very interested in learning how individuals manage the torrent of electronic communications and face-to-face connection in their lives. Any thoughts?
Michael Lee Stallard is the President of
So the research shows that what many of us suspected is reality: we need f2f contact. There really is no good substitute although there are some alternatives for in-person interaction.
It’s not that we shouldn’t use technology.. we just need to remember that we are humans and, as Barbra Streisand sang, we are “people who need people”.
I’m biased in favor of inperson communication. My new book, Face to Face: How To Reclaim the Personal Touch in a Digital World hits the bookstores in October. It will be none too soon!
Susan,
I’m considering writing about the issue of “over connection” as part of my next book. I would be glad to consider reviewing your book for my blog and possibly referencing it in my next book. Would you keep me in mind when your galleys become available?
Best wishes,
Michael