Infographic Should this be an email, phone call,
IM or meeting?

By Insight Editor / 4 Nov 2021 / Topics: Hybrid workforce

In our fast-moving hybrid workplace, it can be easy for things to get lost in translation and for communication to stall out. Use this handy decision tree to guide you along the way.

Accessibility note: The infographic is transcribed below the graphic.

Transcript for Infographic

Infographic text included for screen readers:

Should this be an email, phone call, IM or meeting?

Are you sharing an update and/or piece of information?

If yes: Do you expect a lot of back and forth questions?
- If yes: Is there an imminent deadline?
  - If yes: Meeting
  - If no: Email or IM
- If no: Email or IM
If no: Is this a brainstorm?
- If yes: Is it a complex issue?
  - If yes: Meeting
  - If no: Email or IM
- If no: Email or IM

Quick guidelines

Will the issue take 10 minutes or less to resolve?
- Make a phone call (especially if sharing screens and both are available).
Have you exchanged two or more emails back and forth?
- Schedule a call to get clarity.
Does your ask involve more than two participants?
- Schedule a meeting and include an agenda.
Have you sent five or more IMs back and forth?
- Hop on a quick call to talk through it.