IS THERE SOMEONE ELSE WHO COULD HELP ME?
Ever find yourself trying to answer emails as quickly as possible so that you can get on to the next one? Seems I had a day where I focused on responding so quickly that I failed to communicate very clearly. Here’s my story–one day I received an email–one of many. The first question the writer asked was whether I could help her. She then went on to describe what she needed. I scanned her email. Decided the quickest way to respond was to simply answer her question. There was no product left that I could offer her and here’s my big mistake. I responded to her simply, “No.”
Shortly after that I received another email. Now, remember, going back to her original email, she had begun by asking for my help. This email asked timidly, “Is there someone else who could help me?” Well, I was shocked by her response. She told me later that she thought I had gone postal. I must admit to responding back as quickly as I could that I certainly hadn’t meant that I wasn’t willing to assist her–only that there was nothing left of what she had asked for. Once I sent it, I took a deep breath. Then, I shut off my phone, got up from my desk and took a break. Seems I had been pushed to the limit and needed to take a break. I then called her when I returned to my desk and apologized personally.
Today’s challenge is to take on as much as you possibly can–you know you do–each and every day. You know you live for a challenge! So do I! But remember that you can be too brisk on a phone call because you’re in a hurry and emails can be easily misunderstood. I still regret making that person feel bad because of my abrupt response. Think you can learn where to draw the line on time-saving and cost-costing? Too much of a good thing can be bad. And if an email seems to be getting out of hand–take a minute to pick up the phone and talk to the person. Learned a valuable lesson that day that I don’t ever intend to repeat. Take the time that you need to do the task the right way. If you need help–get it! If you need a break–take it! And if you think you can work without taking a break–you’re wrong. Take a break every so often! You are the Best! And today will be filled with the ability to prioritize, to respond efficiently, but to always remember to make everyone feel important and deserving of your time–though you’ve got plenty of other things to complete. And communicate clearly. They don’t need to know you are hard-pressed. Pretend you’re reading the email and make sure you’re understood. You can do it! Make me proud!
