Return the call. Answer the email.
I am a doer by nature. I move fast and furious with a get 'er done mentality. I love to pack my day with critical tasks and cross them off when completed. These are the days when I feel the most accomplished. So I don't love communications that interrupt the flow. You know...the office stop-by, the unexpected phone call, the email that asks for an immediate response. These interruptions require a mental re-prioritization of the tasks at hand. Here's my internal conversation....Do I respond immediately OR do I put it on the list of tasks to be addressed OR do I ignore or discard it? All interruptions require SOME level of response even if it's a dismissal.
So, I get it. I understand the frustration. I understand the mental bandwidth required to know what to do with a communication that comes at you unexpectedly.
Of course, at times, I also find myself on the other side of the communication equation. Sometimes I'M the one reaching out and needing something from someone. In that case I hope I am at least put on the list to be responded to at some point. But sometimes I'm dismissed. Ouch. So here are some rules-of-thumb for unexpected communications...
Never dismiss someone with whom you have a professional connection. If you've done business previously, would do business with them again or are doing business currently you can't dismiss them. Return the call. Answer the email. Failure to respond leaves an impression of lack of regard or esteem and that may come back to bite you when the next opportunity to connect professionally comes up.
If you don't know the person, the connection or the intent of the contact, return the call. Answer the email. Business grows through connections. Taking 2 minutes to connect even if it's not something you're interested in or can help with will leave them feeling respected and leave a positive impression of you.
Don't be afraid to refer or delegate. There's nothing wrong with referring someone on to a colleague or a co-worker who may be better suited to help.
Business etiquette in communications is an area for growth for many of us. If you reach out today, I may put you on my to-do-later list but I promise to return the call or respond to your email.
-Mindy Muller, CFRE, President/CEO of CDP
