According to leadership expert Ulrich Kellerer, face-to-face communication is a critical component of business success, yet this dying art is often overlooked.

Leading In Person.

The digital age has fundamentally changed the nature and function of business communication. It has blurred international boundaries allowing people to connect with each other across the world. Communication is mobilized, instantaneous, and it is easier than ever to access and share information on a global scale. The digital revolution has facilitated many aspects of a business from E-commerce to global networking, but this technology has created new obstacles to overcome. Rising technology has led to the decline of face-to-face communication.

As a leadership consultant, Kellerer has seen the negative impact of digital communication on business both internally and externally. The connection is the nature of humanity and it is critical to building business relationships. Anyone working in sales will agree, personal interactions undoubtedly yield better results. According to Harvard research, face-to-face requests were 34 times more likely to garner positive responses than the emails. Communication in sales is complicated. It requires courtesies and listening skills that are simply not possible on digital platforms.

Interpersonal communication is also vital for a business to function internally. While sending emails is efficient and fast, face-to-face communication drives productivity. In a recent survey, 67% of senior executives and managers said their organization’s productivity would increase if superiors communicated face-to-face more often.

“Technology is a necessary part of business today but incorporating the human touch is what will give businesses the competitive edge in the digital marketplace,” says Kellerer.

Having a personal connection builds trust and minimizes misinterpretation and misunderstanding. With no physical cues, facial expressions/gestures, or the ability to retract immediately, the risk of disconnection, miscommunication, and conflict is heightened.

So how can business leaders encourage the dying art of face-to-face communication in a time when technology trumps all other forms of interaction?

“Business leaders must create environments in which employees can personally connect both with each other and with clients,” says Kellerer. “Digital communication should be used strategically and personal communication must be practiced and prioritized.”

“In order for a business to succeed, it requires interpersonal communication and emotional intelligence. Unless managed properly, these digital advancements can create interpersonal problems in business.”

– Ulrich Kellerer

In An Interview/Article, Kellerer Can Share:

• The damaging effects of digital communication in the workplace and how leaders and employees can combat the issue.
• Why face-to-face communication is vital for business success in the coming year.
• Leadership strategies to cultivate an environment of personal discussion and face-to-face communication.
• How businesses can incorporate the “the human touch” and gain a competitive edge in the digital marketplace.

Kellerer is sharing how businesses leaders and employees can combat the downside of digital communication. He has advice for all levels of business to incorporate “the human touch” in a technology-drenched world.