Does writing more emails make you more successful?

We’ve all become used to using digital tools to communicate with our colleagues, even if they’re sitting right next to us. But does this tell us anything about individual performance?

Yes, according to Chantrelle Nielson, who directs research and strategy for organisational productivity analytics at Microsoft. Writing in Harvard Business Review, she explains how email and other communication tools are linked to individual performance.

“Email and other tools are surprisingly relevant to the core performance of individuals and the business in three interesting ways,” she says.

Can your email use predict your performance?

Data suggests that it can. During a year-long collection of anonymised email data at a software company, the highest performers were shown to have stronger internal network ties.

These high performers had 36% more strong internal ties, connecting at least biweekly in smaller group chats. On the other hand, low-performers had a network 6% smaller than average.

Nielson writes: “The size and strength of peoples’ networks actually helped to predict year-over-year changes in performance better than managers could.”

Can it predict potential?

As with performance, there is a link between potential and networks.

High-potential employees have networks 52% larger than the average. However, in a study of a large utility company, it was also shown that a sub-group of high-potential employees, with smaller internal networks, can exist.

This group often has great ideas, but lacks the extraversion or emotional intelligence to reach a wider audience. Identifying these employees and matching them to well-connected employees could help them and the business.

Is size everything?

No, it’s about quality as well as quantity. A network with more influential people will be more effective than a network of the same size containing fewer influential connections.

Understanding the power of internal communications and networks can benefit both employee and employer.

As Nielsen explains: “Digital communication that’s seen as a burden may turn out to be a blessing for employees and organizations. But in order to enable our uniquely human skills, like building relationships and coaching each other to do better, any insights must be used thoughtfully and with both technology and people in mind.”

Have you read?
The email habits of successful people
Lessons in communication from 3 leaders at Davos