Following on from coffee #71 about the impact of technology on our leadership practice, Pilar and Tim talk about emoji as a communications tool for managers. Tiny and ubiquitous, it's easy to underestimate their importance.
But when used skilfully, emoji give us a visual language that can provide faster and more concise communication. Within the context of our teams and companies this communal language and interpretation can be another way for us to bond.
Unfortunately when used without context, emoji can struggle to overcome ambiguity. Some reactions, like anger, can be jarring when delivered via a tiny cartoon.
And in a world of "likes", the absence of an emoji can be felt as much as it's presence. "Did nobody read my message?" "Why did she like their post but not my post?" "They posted a slightly smiling face but why didn't they post the crying tears of laughter smiley face..."
01:00 mins Our hosts start with the question of whether to "thumbs up" or not "thumbs up".
02:00 Tim is very pro-emoji.
2:50 Pilar rarely uses the thumbs up, her favourite emoji is the thinker.
3:00 With the ease and popularity of quick reactions via emoji it can be addictive to "post for the likes". This can diminish communication if the primary aim is to get approval. This was covered by Basecamp on the Rework podcast "Please Don't Like This" and "Update: Please Don't Like This".
4:30 Pilar points out that because emoji are inherently playful it's not given the attention it deserves. And for Tim this is true, he primarily uses emoji in a light-hearted way.
5:50 Pilar shares an example of the dissonance which comes from using cartoons to express something serious.
6:45 Emoji are a very important tool that isn't given enough importance.
8:30 Pilar changes her position - Tim wishes he could give this a thumbs up in the café.
9:40 Mindless use of emoji is a problem but when used with intention they can help managers find new, nuanced ways to express themselves.
10:30 Emoji are, in each workplace, a language that is co-created. The person sending the emoji needs to know how it will be interpreted by those who see it.
11:45 Our hosts fantasise about a book "The Emoji Manager, how to manage your team using just 50 emoji".
12:45 How we use emoji in our teams is part of our team norms and culture. It can be a way for managers to bond their teams around a common language and behaviours.
13:45 Emoji make it easy for us to react. Pilar puts it best, that emoji allow us to "cut down on the time we're investing but not cut down on the effect of the communication".
16:20 Tim shares an example of how the managers in his leadership team started using emoji to facilitate their meeting preparation.
17:15 Much like an emoji, things get a little lighthearted and playful.
What about you, dear listener? How do you use emoji? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch through our Contact Form https://managementcafepodcast.com/contact/