為新年立下志願：要真實

網路讓我們能藉著部落格與任何有興趣的人分享經驗與意見。Skype讓我們能透過電腦與千哩之外的人面對面交談。我們可以將影音檔案呈現在YouTube網站上，不論是為了娛樂或傳達嚴肅的信息。當電話沒人接聽時，總是有語音信箱接受留言。

誰知道下一個通訊科技的突破會是什麼？那些通訊科技都非常有益處，也很實用，但是都缺乏一個重要的面向：人性觸動。有一個老廣告標語說：「伸出手去接觸某個人。」在發簡訊、電子郵件、寫部落格，或甚至留言在語音信箱時，並沒有多少真正的「接觸」。

所以當我們面對新的一年，可能一個有意義的志願是成為更真實──更少虛偽、做作。不論我們是否有最後期限要趕、有壓力和緊湊的行程，當別人有需要時，我們都決定要「到他身邊」。關於這一點，聖經有一些有用的觀察：

親自在場的影響。當我們親自在別人身邊，我們不僅可用言語溝通，也透過個人的榜樣強調了我們的訊息。耶穌基督了解這個原則，聖經說祂「就設立十二個人，要他們常和自己同在，也要差他們去傳道」（馬可福音3章14節）。

在一起的激勵。當我們在一起，有相同的使命感，我們就可以彼此鼓勵，互相啟發。「又要彼此相顧，激發愛心，勉勵行善。你們不可停止聚會，好像那些停止慣了的人，倒要彼此勸勉…」（希伯來書10章24-25節）。

人際互動的教導。花時間在一起，在職場肩併肩工作，我們可以分享智慧，挑戰彼此的創意，並幫助彼此在專業上成長。「鐵磨鐵，磨出刃來；朋友相感也是如此」（箴言27章17節）。

享受電子通訊的方便吧。但請記得，人們面對面，彼此視線的互動是無可取代的。

勞勃．泰默西是領袖資產協會的傳播部副部長，這是一個總部在美國喬治亞州亞特蘭大的非營利組織。他也是一個有40年經驗的退休新聞工作者。他寫過一本書「最佳狀態的商業：箴言給今日職場的歷久彌新智慧」（Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today”s Workplace）。他也與David A. Stoddard合著一本書「導師之心」（The Heart of Mentoring）。要了解更多資訊, 可上網www.leaderslegacy.com 或上他的部落格www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com以及www.bobtamasy.wordpress.com 。

The Internet has given us blogs through which we can share experiences and opinions with anyone interested in reading them. Skype is one way we can connect face-to-face with people thousands of miles away via computer. We can present videos on sites like YouTube, whether to entertain or convey a serious message. When phone calls are not answered, there is always voice mail.

Who knows what the next communications breakthroughs will be? They are extremely beneficial and practical, but all lack one important dimension: personal touch. An old advertising slogan suggested, “Reach out and touch someone.” There is not much real “touch” involved in texting, sending emails, writing a blog, or even leaving a voice mail.

Researchers have determined only about seven percent of communication is verbal, meaning 93 percent is non-verbal: eye contact, body language, gestures and facial expressions, tone of voice, the pace we speak. So when we send an email or text, much of our message is missing. Not only that, but a gentle touch, a friendly smile or wink of an eye can only be exchanged in person. In an increasingly impersonal world, these “non-verbals” help us say, “You are somebody. I know you exist – and you are important.”

So as we look ahead to a new year, maybe a worthwhile resolution would be to become more real – less artificial. Determining to “be there” for other people, despite our deadlines, pressures and tight schedules. The Bible has some useful observations about this:

The impact of personal presence. When we are in the presence of others, we not only communicate with words, but also underscore our message through personal example. Jesus Christ understood this principle. The Bible says He “appointed twelve – designating them apostles – that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach” (Mark 3:14).

The inspiration of being together. When we are together, having a common sense of mission, we can encourage and inspire each other: “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another…” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

The instruction of personal interaction. By spending time with one another, rubbing shoulders in the work environment, we can share wisdom, challenge one another creatively, and help one another grow professionally. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).

Enjoy the convenience of electronic communications. But remember, there is no substitute for face-to-face, eye-to-eye human interaction.

Robert J. Tamasy is vice president of communications for Leaders Legacy, Inc., a non-profit organization based in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. A veteran journalist, he has written Tufting Legacies (iUniverse); Business At Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today”s Workplace (River City Press); and has coauthored with David A. Stoddard, The Heart of Mentoring (NavPress). For more information, see www.leaderslegacy.com or his blogs, www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com and www.bobtamasy.wordpress.com.