We live in an age when technology is a blessing as well
as a curse. It helps us solve problems as well as abuse our time. One of the
most powerful tools we have in our hand is our phone. If we don’t manage our phone
wisely, it will dictate our lives.
I know many of you use a phone
to conduct your business. However, if we’re not making wise use of this tool
then we’re draining energy. Today, I want to talk about practical ways we can
make better use of our phones and technology in
general.
Be in control. You either control your
phone or it will run your life. Anytime we’re being controlled by outside
circumstances or an object, we’re living off balance. We must pass the test of
living without technology. If we cannot imagine an hour, or even a day, without
a cell phone at our fingertips, we’re probably being controlled by technology.
No matter how good it is, anytime we can’t live without something, we’re
allowing it to be a little god in our lives. It is time to reconsider our
dependency.
Be selective. You don’t have to feel
important by taking every call. If we’re not intentional about technology, it
will always find us. Don’t be driven by other people’s calls and don’t let it
hamper your productivity. It’s different if you’re a receptionist or a
telephone operator. I encourage
you to be selective in who you talk to and when you talk to them. Set
aside a designated “phone free” time
every day.
Create boundaries. You cannot live
up and down depending on the phone calls you get. Some of the greatest features
of a cell phone are caller ID and voicemail. When you see a person calling and
you’re not in the best of circumstances to deal with it, let it go to your
voicemail. I know this is basic but it amazes me how many people allow others
to ruin their whole hour, or even their whole day, based on a phone call they
didn’t have to take. If you know it’s going to be a stressful call and it’s not
an emergency, let it go to
voicemail and then listen to it when you’re in a relaxed mood.
Screen your calls. Only my family
and certain individuals have 24/7 access to me. If we don’t screen people,
we’ll be overspent. I love all people but I decide who I want to engage in a
conversation with and when I do. Just because someone is your biggest client,
it doesn’t mean you have to be at their disposal all the time. Yes, you can
appreciate their business but you don’t have to let people own you. When you
guard your time for family and screen your calls, even others will learn and begin
to respect you more.
Respond, don’t react. When you get
that nasty, accusing, and derogatory call, resist the urge to react. If you
have to speak, the best thing is to say, “I
understand. Let me get back to you on that.” This allows you to think
before you respond. When we’re at peace, we’re in control. You’ll be amazed how
different your response will be if you just allow 24 hours before you respond
and allow your emotions to settle.
Smile and sound enthusiastic. If you’re
a dog-owner, you know how excited they get to see you. People are the same way.
I always pause and smile (often out loud) when making or taking a phone call.
When you’re relaxed it transmits, even through the cellular waves. When you’re
welcoming in your conversation, you’re adding value to the other person.
Be inspiring. Most calls people get is
usually a crisis or a problem. While we can’t always control what life throws
at us, we can greatly aspire to inspire. When you call people just to check on
them, give a compliment, or say a prayer, you’re being inspiring. Personal
touch is so missing from our culture these days. I encourage you to call people
when you don’t need anything from them and they’ll be there when you do need
something from them. Be genuine. When people feel loved and know that you care,
you’re exerting positive influence on them.
People need people. You can make it all business or you
can really get to know people. Don’t try to build your organization. Build
people and they’ll build your organization! Use your phone wisely. Friend or a
foe — it’s your choice.
“Like apples
of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances” (Proverbs
25:11 NAS).
No comments:
Post a Comment