The Power of Shaking Hands

75% of business leaders indicate that in-person collaboration is critical to success, affecting business outcomes more than other forms of communications. Yet today, more than 60% of business communications do not appear in real time.

These less effective communications challenge productivity; it takes as much as 4 times as long to communicate messages electronically than in person.

Misunderstandings often result in negative outcomes, including delays, additional resources and expenses, and unintended shifts in project direction. This potential exposure adds an unnecessary increase in business risks, and limits competitive advantage.

Most people use a mix of visual and audio cues to gauge both the level of engagement and focus, considered two of the most important factors of communication. This is true of interactions not only with customers, but also with colleagues, partners and suppliers.

When dealing with customers, person-to-person communications helps:

1. Generate better long-term relationships,
2. Foster a better understanding of any underlying issues,
3. Assist in resolving a problem or creating an opportunity quickly,
4. Resolve major problems more efficiently, and
5. Create more conversations or brainstorming about additional products or services.

When collaborating with others in a business relationship, here’s what’s important:

73% WORDS someone is using

82% TONE of voice

80% FACIAL expressions

64% Conscious MOVEMENTS or gestures

69% Subconscious BODY LANGUAGE

91% ENGAGEMENT AND FOCUS on shared content

Just think of the degree to which these core elements are lost when you send an email, or leave a voice message.

The power of an in-person experience in both tactical and strategic meetings is just as critical in today’s world as it ever has been.