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Can Instant Messaging Complicate Things

While there are definite benefits of using instant messaging at the office, many people feel that this will complicate things. What do you think? There are times when instant messaging can complicate a conversation, but if rules and boundaries are set this will not happen very often.

Here are two ways to make sure things don’t get complicated:

1. Know when to use an instant messaging tool and when to talk to somebody in person. This is the biggest mistake that people make. Simply put, there are times when you can get away with a quick IM and times when you need to see somebody in person. Do you know where to draw the line?

2. If a conversation on instant messenger gets “out of control” there is nothing wrong with aborting and moving onto another mode of communication. There will be times when you think a conversation will be quick on IM, but find out soon enough that this is not the case.

If your company sets boundaries on when and how to use instant messages you should never run into too many issues. Don’t have any rules in place? If this is the case you should suggest forming a committee to handle this issue. Remember, it only takes a little bit of time to figure out the best way for using instant messages.

So yes, instant messaging can complicate things. But fortunately every problem can be avoided if you set the proper rules and make sure that every employee follows them.

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