I don’t want my employees to use instant messaging and I have many reasons for feeling this way! This is something that many owners and executives mutter everyday of the week. If you continue to dwell on potential instant messaging drawbacks you will never realize what this communication tool can do for you. The key word in all of this is potential. Just because something can go wrong doesn’t mean that it will.

Some believe that employees who have access to instant messaging will abuse the power day in and day out. They will talk to other employees about non-work related subjects, while also doing the same with people outside the company. There is no denying that this is a potential problem. But don’t you give your employees some credit? If you set boundaries and let everybody know what they are, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about being taken advantage of.

If you have a major concern, why not discuss it with others in your company? Why not ask business partners and other company owners what they think? You will probably learn that instant messaging is a communication tool that can really improve the effectiveness and efficiency of your business.

By constantly dwelling on potential instant messaging drawbacks you will consistently overlook all of the benefits. It is your job to do what is best for your company or team. In most cases, using instant messaging from time to time will greatly benefit everybody involved.