communication
[ kuh-myoo-ni-key-shuhn ]
noun
the act or process of communicating; fact of being communicated.
the imparting or interchange of thoughts, opinions, or information by speech, writing, or signs.
something imparted, interchanged, or transmitted.
a document or message imparting news, views, information, etc.
passage, or an opportunity or means of passage, between places.
Earlier this week, I sent an email and received some replies that indicated the message in the email had been overlooked.
The email message was not filled with complicated information; the email had detailed information about a project. Detailed messages to individuals; no-group messages with a reply-all option. We know the confusion a reply-all trail can cause.
The email was a to-do list with resources if needed. (A reply back by 5:00 pm that day was requested to acknowledge the receipt and address any questions).
Four replies were received where it was very clear that the details in the original message were not given much attention (email was sent to 14 individuals).
I re-read my original messages over and over, wondering if I had communicated incorrectly. I assured myself that the message was clear and I kept wondering: “Why the disconnect?”
I decided to check in with the folks with the replies that to me seemed like they had not completely read the original message, and three of those four folks were honest and told me they had a lot going on and did not realize the assistance offered in the email (resources if needed) was there to make their part of the to-do list easier.
For a moment, I was like, WTH! But I then realized that I too have had moments when I am doing 1,000 things and I get a message and I respond without taking a moment to slow down. I instead started typing and hit send.
The urgency of thinking a reply must be sent ASAP is stressful, especially when your day is jam-packed.
Starting now, I am going to try including a message of some sort at the end of certain emails to let folks know how urgent or not so urgent a response is; hopefully this can alleviate stress and confusion.
“Times are urgent. Let’s slow down”.~ African Proverb
Useful advice indeed!
Such good advice!