Challenge: Try to spend more time today moving your projects forward in-person instead of via technology. Observe what happens and report back.

While cell phones, email, texting and instant messenger have made communication easier and instantaneous, we all know deep down that it can’t substitute for face-to-face encounters, especially in the workplace.

All too frequently, I hear complaints about how projects or work relationships go awry because of a miscommunication/misinterpretation via email or voicemail. We’ve all been sitting at our desks reading an email in complete disbelief because of someone’s inappropriate tone/ expectations/idiocy only to find later that we misread their intention.

If a project is complex or important, increase the amount of face-to-face interaction you engage in. The benefits will make themselves apparent almost immediately.

So get out of your office today and start getting in people’s faces.