This weekend I had three people fall off the radar screen – all whom are already involved in projects with clients of mine or involved with me directly.
All of them had one thing in common: Failure to Communicate
Look shit happens. Sometimes we need to think things through, need more time than we originally requested or perhaps re-consider our decision completely. Or perhaps we need some time away from the rat race to just quiet our soul.
These things happen, and although your friends, people, clients and colleagues might be less than thrilled they will be able to deal with it if and only if YOU COMMUNICATE what is going on.
Etiquette isn’t something most people think much about but when you don’t call (usually the more ideal way to go) or at least email with clarity around what is happening – then you are really showing poor etiquette skills. This behavior says much about you and how you handle yourself under pressure.
People in all areas need and have a right to expect you to be clear with where you stand. Even if where you stand is the place of uncertainty. It’s okay that you need more time. They might not be happy but they will be even less so if you don’t let them know what is going on. Give them a by when date. In three days I will make my choice. Or I need time away – I will be out of pocket until this date.
Everyone is human. But manage the expectations of others and you will find that being human will have less fall out personally and professionally when you’re communicating your needs to those in your life.
