Lately, I’ve noticed an increase in missed deadlines, missed appointments, incomplete assignments, and other items that, in my book show disrespect. I can’t narrow it down to a certain group or demographic, but whatever the case, in the world of business, missing appointments, being late, or sending incomplete information wastes both your time and mine.
For the past 10 years, I used a little black Daytimer appointment book to keep track of my schedule, my due dates, and work assignments. It was a bit like the old fashioned card box trace system (you old timers will know what I mean) with places to make notes and keep little slips of paper, names, addresses, and other such information. If you look at the bookcase in my office, you’ll see them standing up on the shelf like little soldiers, all in date order.
And then, I discovered Google Calendar.
Now, while I still have a little black 2014 book on my desk as a security blanket, I have become absolutely dependent on the electronic calendar. I enter my meetings, phone calls, due dates, birthdays, and anything important and choose how and when I want to be reminded. Because of this program I now arrive on time, meet my due dates, and keep my busy schedule from driving me crazy.
Being on time and meeting due dates is a form of business respect.
Holding a professional management position such as General Manager, Director of Sales, or Sales Manager comes with the inherent responsibility of time management. As we approach 2015 and get ready to put our “resolutions” in place, I highly suggest that we all re-evaluate the way we manage our time and resources. It does not matter how old or young you are – you need to embrace tools that will make you a better manager. Don’t fight it! Do some research and select a program that suits you. There are many good options on today’s market.
Respecting one’s time also means that we respond to questions with good and complete information. Many times, we send each other emails with several questions. Much to my chagrin, most often I get responses that address one point in the email, but fail to answer all the questions. This necessitates a follow up email (or two, or three…). It is incredibly frustrating to have to chase down information, so please take your time, read the entire message and then respond completely.
Your customers, managers and I will all appreciate the information and the timeliness of the response.
Happy respecting!
Linda