From the author of Speak Up, Show Up, and Stand Out & Fearless Leadership
Pressure to Respond
With the avalanche of emails, texts, IMs, you name it, most people feel the constant pressure to respond instantly. And act on this impulse.
Take the following quiz to determine if you are an instant-responder.
Instant Response
An instant response is not always your best response. You may say the wrong thing, provide inaccurate information, create a misunderstanding, or set off a volatile email exchange. Take the pressure off yourself to respond instantly by asking:
- Is it necessary to respond? If your answer is yes, reply with a buy-time message such as “I will respond to your message no later than (time/day/date).
- Is it urgent to respond? If yes, respond.
- Is my response effective? Take the time to reread your message before you send it. Think about the voice mail you are about to leave. Are you about to say something you will regret?
Dr. Loretta Malandro is the CEO of the Malandro Consulting Group (www.malandro.com) and the author of several landmark business communication books including: Fearless Leadership, Say It Right the First Time, and her new book, “Speak Up, Show Up, and Stand Out: The 9 Communication Rules You Need to Succeed”.
