The face-time theorem
Mar 10, 2010
As I sprint through my inbox toward Austin later this week, I have an observation about how issues get resolved:
Note:
This is by no means a prescription (or a real theorem for that matter), but an observation and a nudge for more people to meet in person more of the time.
If distance among people is greater than X miles + question Y cannot be resolved by email, than email results in more email.
(Cost of time: medium-high, emotional cost: high. Duration: endless)
If distance among people is less than X miles + question Y cannot be resolved by email, than email results in in-person meeting.
(Cost of time: medium, emotional cost: low. Duration: short)
Variables
- Additional people in CC
- Additional people in BCC
- Standing meetings
- Inertia
Theorem
If, after multiple threads, issues are unresolvable via non-face means, meet in person. While the hurdle of meeting face to face seems higher, the time and emotional costs are ultimately lower. Face-time saves time.
