Isn't email enough?

I’m a manager in a tech startup. I’m up to my ears in phone calls and text messages. I don’t have time to talk face-to-face, so I’ve been emailing employees about small—and sometimes big—things. Now some of my reports are pissed off that I don’t sit down with them. My first reaction is “Hey, I’m busy as hell. Work with me here.” Any advice?

Work with you? I don’t think so. You need to go back to school and retake Organization and Management 101—clearly, you didn’t pass the first time. Whether they’re in small or large companies, most employees feel anonymous; emailing them on important matters makes them feel like inanimate objects. Email is not the vehicle for dealing with big issues—communicating important strategy, asking whether employees have the right resources. And email will never motivate or inspire colleagues. They’re as busy as you are—these days everyone has 25 pounds of potatoes to fit into a five-pound sack—so I doubt if your reports will cut you slack. If you want them to work productively—and respect you—you need to make room for face time with them. To get loyalty, you have to give it.

Michael Feiner is professor of management at Columbia Business School and author of  The Feiner Points of Leadership. He’s also president of his own consulting firm, advising CEOs on how to build their companies. Have a question you need answered? Email it to:
contact@junglemediagroup.com (subject line: Feiner)

---

MBA Jungle, Winter 2008-2009