Cherrina Mack

Is it just me or is everyone slacking when it comes to returning e-mails and phone calls.  

In my previous job, I'd receive at least 500 e-mails a day - None of them being spam.  At the end of the day - or when I had time, I would start at the bottom and work my way to the top, returning messages, working on computer issues but at the very least I'd write a quick message to aware the receiver that my day was jammed or a time frame, to which they could expect a more in-depth response.

As for phone calls: It is my opinion that it is lack of intellect or just blatantly rude to not return phone calls.  Yes, we are all busy. Yes, your e-mail inbox is overflowing, Yes, we are all over worked - but c'mon... The phone is the last ounce of human communication/interaction at yet still a personal level, to which we can all master, (obviously, if given a tad of phone etiquette - refresher tips).

So here we go:

1.) It is rude not to return phone calls, period.
2.) Most cell phones can return calls at a push of a button and if you're on the same network you can direct the call straight into their voicemail. Of course, you're only using that option because you worked too late and its past 10pm - where it'd be rude to call at that time of night.
3.) If you maintain the habit of not returning calls you appear to be an idiot. When you start to wonder why you weren't invited to an outing or you realize your sister's kid is 12 yrs old one day, or headhunters don't call you for the job interview and business associates number are?????? Then you MUST realize what an idiot you really are.  Really, how much time does it take to punch in 10 digits and have a 5 minute conversation with your mom every Sunday night?

In this fast paced, technology advanced world we live in - we still have to remember what "manners" truly are. The dynamics have changed, true. ADAPT.