The Right Dose of Technology

We have never been more connected via technology, yet at the same time we have never been so far apart. This strange relationship between connection via our devices and loneliness is made even harder to navigate given that different people have different needs for connection and experience connection differently. Let me explain.

I think we have many levels of communication that go from simple to more complex. These levels look something like this: text messaging via SMS or direct message → voice memo via SMS or direct message → email → voice phone call → video call → live in-person.

In business situations, I recommend using the minimum effective dose of technology. Simply put, as little communication as needed in a format that is as fast as possible.

Jim Donald, the former CEO of Starbucks, told me about how he communicated with everyone working at Starbucks all over the world. Each morning, he would record a 40- to 50-second voice memo about his thoughts for the day and SMS it to over 25,000 people. Simple, relatable, and effective.

The factor to consider is the relationship status of the person you are communicating with. If you are building a relationship, then you will need to have more direct contact for greater amounts of time to build trust and understanding. For established strong relationships, shorter and faster messages will work.

The caveat to all of this, especially as it relates to a post-pandemic world, is that we have learned that introverts and extroverts like to communicate differently. Further, the method of communication has opposite effects on them. 

Consider the communications ladder. For an extrovert, the desired and energizing order might look like this:

SMS → DM → voice memo → voice call → video call → in-person meeting

For an introvert, the ladder is reversed:

In-person meeting → video call → voice call → voice memo → DM → SMS

We are all humans, so we can adjust and adapt the best we can. But with greater awareness of how technology can serve us, you can be intentional, effective, and healthy at the same time.

For the people who matter to us the most, I suggest using the minimum dose of technology as well. When I am on the road for speaking events, I’ll FaceTime my kids to say goodnight. But when I am home I make sure to put the devices away when we’re having meals or if I am reading with my kids. Real connection matters for those who we are closest to.

That’s it for this week! Let me know your thoughts in the comments.

Yours for health, wellbeing & peak performance - Dr. Greg