Phone calls vs. email - do you respond to one more than the other?

[NuclearNed]

I have written a large software package for one of the departments where I work. This department has designated one of their coworkers as the point man for this project - any time there is a problem or request for change, he is the guy I talk to.

This guy refuses to use email. I think its an unwritten rule in his department to not use email for much, because everyone over there from the manager down really hates to be pinned down by something they put into writing. Basically, they want to be able to change their minds/go back on their word/revise their plans/etc. at any time and not have to suffer any consequences.

So the result is that I get a million phone calls from these people every day. I'll ask them a question or send them specifications via email, and I'll always get a phone call back. So the strategy I've been practicing for several weeks now is that I more or less disregard phone calls - if its not in writing, then for all intents and purposes, the conversation never happened (at my discretion - If I'm in a good mood I'll humor them).

Is that wrong?

 

[radioouman]

I prefer email because it gives me time to collect the information that I need to respond, and I can respond intelligently rather than react. Yes, email can pin you down too, so you have to be very careful.

 

[JoPh]

email ftw

 

[George P Burdell]

When I'm working, I prefer email. I usually leave work-related calls to voicemail, unless it's a call I should take.

Edit: If I do take a call, I usually email the guy afterwards saying that this was a confirmation we spoke about such and such. Puts it in writing then.

 

[Mr N8]

I respond much more quickly to an email. I usually let my phone go to voicemail at work, and then get back to it when I get to it. Email gives me something in writing to act upon and refer back to.

What really gets me going is people who get their emails and print all of them off before reading them. I have one person here who prints off emails I send to her, then she comes to my office with it in hand and responds verbally. If I wanted to have a conversation I would have called or stopped by her office. GOsh.

 

[skace]

I use my phone when it's important or really needs to be discussed. I don't necessarily ignore my email but I consider something sent via email only as low priority, something that isn't expected to be done right away (or else they would have called).

 

[construct]

E-mail, because you get confirmations of it being read, etc and leaves a paper trail. I work in construction management where lots of people say things and then try to take it back. At least with email, you have proof of what a person did or didn't say.

 

[Jeraden]

I hate when people call, I don't see the point. I prefer email. Whenever someone gives me some work to do over the phone, I just tell them to email me. That way its all written down and I don't forgot/misinterpret something they say on the phone.

 

[theknight571]

I don't get too many phone calls at work... almost everything is done via email.

Although part of it is that I spend alot of time on the road so people have learned that I'm easier to reach via email than by phone.

If the company would provide cell phones then it would probably be different.

- TK

 

[Drakkon]

im dealing with a company thats across the country and they seem like whenever they want to make a decision they want to do it over he phone for the exact reason it doesnt get logged, in the past they changed their minds and said "well we never said that" so from now on we have secretary sit in on the meetings and jot down EXACTLY what was said and after the meeting email them with the minutes along with return receipt along with a note saying "unless we get confirmation of these details nothing will be changed" so far it has worked to our advantage

 

[mcvickj]

E-mail. That way all of our departments stay in the loop.

 

[Aquila76]

E-mail. I work in a law firm, and you would not believe the sh!t some attorneys try to pull regarding phone conversations. At least in e-mail you have a physical record of what was said.