It seems that technology has given us a plethora of communication tools.  If you say that you are unable to reach someone, it’s likely that it will be perceived as a pretty poor excuse these days.   Instant Messaging, otherwise known as IM, is yet another form communication we have been given.   This real-time direct text-based communication between two or more people using a computer is used consistently in work and home situations.  As if we aren’t already trying to do too much at one time, now we can chat with one or more people anywhere in the world while making dinner or on a conference call with 20 different people in 20 different parts of the world.
Although it is sometimes perceived as a nuisance, Instant Messaging does have some fabulous benefits in the workplace.  For example, when busy staff members are unable to attend a meeting, IM can be used to bring them in when necessary.  This prevents resources from sitting through an entire meeting for which they are only needed for a short period of time or having to schedule another meeting.  Other benefits include rapid dissemination of information, faster decision- making and the ability to include remote resources to improve the team dynamic.  These can be used as selling points to upper management, when attempting to sell them on Instant Messaging.
There are disadvantages of using IM in the work place.  The first is that it will, undoubtedly, be used for personal communications. The truth about work place messaging is that a large percentage of the messages are not work related.   Some standards will have to be set just as with any other technology.  The difficult thing with IM is determining if employees are actually sending work related messages or discussing upcoming weekend plans.
There is also a risk with IM that is similar to the risk you have with email in that, it is difficult for most people to put the same emotion into their writing as they do into a verbal conversation.   Even if they use the same words, this can lead to misunderstandings and end up causing delays or other problems.    It’s not recommended to have long conversations over IM especially if you are looking for some sort of decision.  Therefore, don’t forget to have a face to face conversation when at all possible.  As a means of follow up to a chat, you can send a summary of your discussion in an email to ensure concurrence.  If you are just chatting casually, then it’s not likely to present a problem.
In the end, utilizing instant messaging is a skill.  Skills take time to obtain.  Whether using IM for personal or professional use, this can be a huge time saver or cause you more headaches than you already had.  You will have to make that determination yourself.  However, if you are technology-savvy, my guess would be that you will be an advocate of IM.  If not, you probably won’t miss it anyhow.