While some may not agree with how this is formulated, I think the point is a part of a bigger concept - don't be unpredictable. Don't make things unpredictable.
Work is a necessity. We're not all neurotypical, relaxed, outgoing persons - some of us may even suffer from mental issues - and we still have to work. Predictability - i.e. removing all the mystery from communication - helps a lot.
"Hey, can you talk for a second?" - is unpredictable. I have no way of knowing whether you want to talk to me about weather or shoot me with a gun. "Hey, can you talk for a second about X? [+additional info if needed]" - is predictable and gives me a clear idea about what you want to talk about.
Of course, communication takes effort, and it is unreasonable to demand everyone to follow these guidelines all the time. But that doesn't mean they're bad guidelines.
> don't be unpredictable. Don't make things unpredictable.
Yes, this. I've found that being (functionally) boring and predictable has gone over very well with my team and managers. I reserve my chaotic nature for when my work laptop is closed.
As for the inevitable "one line greeting awaiting acknowledgement before proceeding" messages, I just respond in kind, and wait for them to get to their actual question while I continue whatever I was doing. No skin off my back, and it plays nice with coworkers.
> No. I won’t do that. It inhibits natural communication.
Quite the opposite, it inhibits effective communication.
Giving someone a one sentence summary of why you need to talk enables them to be prepared for the discussion you want to have. This lets you get to the point faster, and reduces miscommunication.
I don't get why this is such a burden for you to be clear in your communication.
Work is a necessity. We're not all neurotypical, relaxed, outgoing persons - some of us may even suffer from mental issues - and we still have to work. Predictability - i.e. removing all the mystery from communication - helps a lot.
"Hey, can you talk for a second?" - is unpredictable. I have no way of knowing whether you want to talk to me about weather or shoot me with a gun. "Hey, can you talk for a second about X? [+additional info if needed]" - is predictable and gives me a clear idea about what you want to talk about.
Of course, communication takes effort, and it is unreasonable to demand everyone to follow these guidelines all the time. But that doesn't mean they're bad guidelines.