Using Instant Messaging (IM) Effectively

Dos and Don'ts for Quick Communication


Using IM Effectively

Learn how to use IM productively.

© iStockphoto/ARTappler

Phil is in the middle of researching and writing a report that his boss needs by the end of the day, but he's missing a key piece of information.

He knows that his colleague, who works in another building, has the necessary information. However, he doesn't want to call her because he knows that she's busy working on her own reports today. And it could be a few hours before she checks her email.

So, he sends her an instant message through his organization's IM software. Within a few minutes, she replies, and Phil adds the information to his report.

Although instant messaging (IM) was originally used as a way to stay in touch with family and friends, it's now proving its worth in the business world. Managers and staff rely on IM to ask questions, collaborate on projects, and monitor home-based or virtual teams.

In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of using IM at work. We'll also look at IM etiquette, and show you how to use it effectively and productively.

... for the complete article:

Mind Tools members, click here.

Join the Mind Tools Club to finish this article AND get 1,000 more resources

Join now for just $1, first month

"When I started using Mind Tools, I was not in a supervisory position. Now I am. Along with that came a 12% increase in salary."
– Pat Degan, Houston, USA


Join the Mind Tools Club


The Mind Tools Club gives you much, much more than you get here on the basic Mind Tools site, including these 4 free workbooks!

Get training, help and ideas to boost your career.

Find out what you get

Four great workbooks

Where to go from here:

Next article

Free newsletter

Join Mind Tools

Follow Mind_Tools on Twitter
Facebook

1 Day to Go!
Get Our Future-Proof Your Career Workbook FREE


Join the Mind Tools Club before midnight, May 9th, and get our Future-Proof Your Career workbook (worth US$19.99) for FREE.

Join for just US$1

Get the Free
Mind Tools App


Mind Tools Apps

Learn on the move with the free Mind Tools iPhone, iPad and Android Apps. Short bursts of business training ideal for busy people.

Get the Mind Tools App

What Bugs You?


  • Let us know about anything wrong, or anything you don't like about this site, and you could win a US$50 Amazon voucher!

Click here

Sponsored Links