Unreturned Messages Are Driving Us All Crazy

Unreturned messages driving you crazy?  You and everybody else!

Too many messages, vague messages and unreturned messages, are all contributing to what innovator and communications expert Sam George calls, the growing ‘dyscommunication crisis’.

I don't know about you guys but I'm definitely feeling overwhelmed trying to keep up with all the communication channels I'm supposed to be keeping up with.  Between emails, texts, Facebook, Instagram, Linked, Twitter etc., honestly it’s becoming harder and harder to keep up. Obviously it's not just me. Most people are on digital overload and it's causing anxiety.

I feel bad if I forget to answer an email or realize I haven't returned a text or call. Usually it's because I meant to, but probably somehow got really busy and maybe forgot and possibly was so busy went on to the next thing. I've also been on the other side of communications where I've sent out something and heard nothing back and then was left wondering - what the heck?   

The human brain is not wired for digital communication. That’s what Sam George explains in his new book “ I’ll GET BACK TO YOU The Dyscommunication Crisis: Why Unreturned Messages Drive Us Crazy And What To Do About It” .

The 'Dyscommunication Crisis' is the cloud of misunderstanding and uncertainty that replaces the staple feedback loop of the past, says Sam.

"The brain is the cause of all the challenges right now because the brain wants instant feedback so it can complete the patterns it uses to process information. An unreturned message for example, is a pattern that needs to be completed. When a message is not returned the mind jumps to conclusions and creates a worst-case scenario ending because it’s concrete and completes the pattern. The rational mind is the cause of these irrational thoughts. “

The misconception is created in our heads before there is a response to understand.

This is the first time in history that human beings have not had instant feedback by phone or in person. It's the biggest shift in communications ever, says Sam George. It changes everything.

With emails and texts now the dominant form of communication,  so much is lost. Things like 'a good conversation with someone'. 

A good conversation is good because it validates each persons full understanding of what was just discussed. None of that validation happens in a digital conversation. When you have a good conversation you feel good! In the digital communication era a whole experience is being lost.

People want to know they’ve been heard and people who send emails want to know their message was opened and read. Often emails just get lost in message overload. But there are some things you can do to increase the chances your email will be read, says Sam. 

One tip?  “Don't put a predictable subject line in an email. The key is to put a subject line that creates curiosity. The key is to get people to open your email on the spot and if they do they’re most likely going to return it right away.”

I myself often put a whole message in subject line! Nothing left to curiosity there but sure gets to the point if they never open the darn thing. LOL 

Another Helpful Tip For An Answered Email? Follow Up! "Lots of people are uncomfortable with following up, but Sam says a whopping 75% of people appreciate the reminder!"

He suggests when you follow up you don't even reference the unanswered email , rather just cut and paste your old email, put in a different subject line and send it off. "Sending another email quells your anxiety", he says.

More real time suggestions for dealing with the reality of our dyscommunication crisis are in Sam Georges new book including 'breathing techniques on the spot' to help to stop the negative loop of thinking in your head. Proven exercises that trigger your mind and quell the cycle in your head he says.

For more about Sam George and how to buy his book visit: dyscommunication.com