Whatever we do in life we all await a response!
This is the basic cornerstone of human reaction, whether in our personal or our work lives, we await an expected response to the stimuli we send out. Let’s understand the value of response through a few basic examples. Someone who cracks a joke expects people to respond by enjoying the joke and laughing. A good Chef expects appreciation for the dishes he turns out. A communications professional expects a perception change after initiating a campaign. There is a deep-rooted belief in all human beings that every action will trigger a reaction, a response. While all of us have expectations, we actually cannot control reactions or responses according to our expectations from others. However, everyone seeks a ‘quick response’, either way. But the sad fact is that people do not respond or take a long time to respond. Let’s take e-mails as an example. How many times have we wondered whether the recipient has even read our e-mail. Not responding is really never a response. Even an acknowledgement makes it easier and an act like this is core to what we call etiquette. The positive disruptor in this game of response is that you become a response champion yourself and create an environment of reactions and responses. This is the core of developing A ‘Quick Response Mindset’. Here are a few simple steps you can take.
Be sensitive to internal communication
We have deliberated on the winning concept of empathy in the past many articles in this column. Thinking how the other person feels like, is important. We all respond to the communication from our business partners or clients, fairly quickly, but, do you know where we go wrong? We do not usually respond as fast enough to our teams and internal customers. Sometimes we ignore their messages or do not take their calls. Do you know what you are communicating to them without realising it? That they are not important or that you are busy. You should give equal importance to internal and external communication. You are really nothing without your team. Always remember this fact!
What about family?
There are many of us who lack a work life balance. Its wonderful to be busy and productive but not to respond to our family members excepting during emergencies does not make sense. Why do we slog at work? What’s a career without the support of your family and close friends? Coming down to brass facts, its all about managing your time effectively and creating a balance. Its all changed hugely post pandemic, when we have accepted uncertainty and change as a new way of life. Develop a ‘Quick Response’ mindset for your family too. Respond quickly and meaningfully when they reach out to you. Even better reach out to them spontaneously. Your work life will come and go, but your family will stay with you forever.
More effective time management
We only have 24 hours in a day, that we all know. But the magic is to be able to manage this time effectively. Creating buffer time is the key to be able to take stock and be able to factor in exigencies and crisis situations. Despite being busy you will always have the time to respond to others. Work is like life in a continuous high tide and the solution is to ride the wave and stay ahead of the tide. Is this possible? Yes of course. I have done it myself and seen many professional leaders do it. It needs depth in your involvement with clients and members of your teams. Once you really understand what your client wants and how your team members function, your planning will become more strategic and timely. And then you will automatically have the natural ability to respond quickly.
‘The trouble is, you think you have the time’ Buddha
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