When people bring up Gen-Y stereotypes, one of my favorite stories to tell is I had no idea how to send a text message until my intern taught me last summer. You read that correctly: a member of Gen-Y who didn’t know how to text instinctively. Oddly enough, she was teaching me how to text so I could reach my baby boomer boss when she was on Capitol Hill during the day and I needed an executive decision. Not all stereotypes are true. In fact, I would argue most aren’t.
Unfortunately, there are always the few who ruin it for the many. Take, for example, the survey results I recently received via e-mail from textPlus:
When it comes to college kids and recent grads (18-24 years old):
- 11% think it’s appropriate to ask for a raise via text
- 32% say it’s okay to “call in sick” to work via text (22% have actually done it)
- 11% think it’s alright to quit a job via text
Ugh. Seriously? What 18- to 24-year-old in their right mind thinks it’s okay to quit a job via text?
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I have come to love texting (thanks, Ashley!), but it’s certainly not right for all situations. Just like e-mail isn’t right for all situations. Or phone, for that matter. To quote one of my favorite movies, A League of Their Own, “use that lump three feet above your ass” every once in a while to figure out the best method of communicating the message at hand.
When it comes to communicating with your boss and co-workers, it’s best to ask on an individual basis what method they prefer. I actually prefer e-mail above text messages, unless I am out of the office and the message needs a fast response. My boss (the baby boomer), on the other hand, prefers text messages even when she’s in the office — but it had better be important! Otherwise, you should be scheduling a face-to-face with her through her secretary.
Have you ever texted your boss? What was the reason and how was the action received?
[This article was originally posted on an earlier date.]
Heather R. Huhman, founder & president of Come Recommended, is passionate about helping students and recent college graduates pursue their dream careers.
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About Heather Huhman
Great article, Heather. I agree, it is always best to see which method of communication is preferred by your boss. Better safe than sorry.
Matthew Forrest
@MatthewTForrest:twitter
Social Media Marketing Intern, YouTern
In the Philippines, text messaging has been an acceptable means of communication. But I only do that if there really is no way for in-person communication, and mostly for urgent matters. Still, there are policies in place that discourages SMS. This includes calling in sick, but varies from one person to another. My former boss prefer receiving a call if one will be absent from work due to illness. Then another boss is okay with it.
In the Philippines, text messaging has been an acceptable means of communication. But I only do that if there really is no way for in-person communication, and mostly for urgent matters. Still, there are policies in place that discourages SMS. This includes calling in sick, but varies from one person to another. My former boss prefer receiving a call if one will be absent from work due to illness. Then another boss is okay with it.
What a relevant article! I was just discussing with a client today the importance of establishing the preferred method of communication. Some people like to respond to my email with a voicemail…grrrrr. It just seems like a great way to avoid the paper trail. Just when I need that thing I sent an email about, they try to remind me they left me a voicemail about why they may not come through. And it was last week so chances are it's not on my voicemail any longer. On another note, I find it easier to get my point across through an email than in a voicemail. With email, I get to read and revise it as many times as necessary. In a voicemail, I only get one shot.
To answer the question, I do think it's OK to text the boss if they are OK with it but NEVER for important communication.