ASAP
As Soon As Possible
What do you think when someone says “they need something ASAP” or “please respond ASAP”?
I have several thoughts…
- Lack of planning on your part.. You are trying to make it an emergency on my part.
- Can come off disrespectful of my time
- It’s actually a really relative comment to say. Put an actual deadline to the task or thought and make it realistic. In an email or letter setting, it’s best to put, “please respond” or “get back with me on these things by a date.”
- In the age of email.. Fb.. Twitter.. Sms.. Blackberry.. iphone… We get everything and want everything quickly, to the point where we are addicted and consumed by it. We can sit behind the desk at the office and do not get anything done on our list because we are constantly responding to everyone’s emails right when we get them without processing or investigating the email. Then it is not a clear response because it was all in the name of ASAP, so then people can misread or are frustrated by the response to the email because it’s not a clear response. I have read in books that after 3 emails about that same topic just pick up the phone and hammer it out in one setting. I have read where most high level leaders check their emails only 2 or 3 times a day so they can focus on leading people and making connections. I am still working on this.
- I have switched to having my emails go through my cell phone manually.. When I decide to check them I will, but don’t want to be consumed with them while I am meeting with others.
- If I needed something ASAP I would call that person, but most emails aren’t asap worthy
How can we be more effective with our communication?
So, what are your thoughts about ASAP?
So, please respond ASAP!! … Just kidding!!
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