[A Day's Potential] Wit & Wisdom for Today

A Day's Potential ... published daily because a different tomorrow actually starts today. ================================================================== "In God we trust, all others we virus scan." Unknown ================================================================== TODAY'S ACTION In the fast-paced world that we all live in, it's sometimes easier to fire off a quick email or text rather than picking up the phone. I was reminded a while back of the power of the human voice when I sensed that a client of mine seemed "miffed". Our work together had gone well, so I wasn't sure why things would feel so off-kilter. When I inquired, the client expressed concern that I wasn't engaged enough... that perhaps I didn't WANT to work with him. At first, I was taken by surprise. I couldn't figure out what could have possibly given him that impression. I've always taken great pride in taking excellent care of my customers. With time, I came to realize that the problem didn't lie in the work that I had done, but rather in my choice of communication strategy. You see, I'm an emailer. I type quickly and email tends to be my preferred method for staying in touch with people. Rather than a time-consuming phone call that may not be ideally timed, the recipient of an email can reply when he/she has the time. Yet, email can easily be construed as avoidant... and that's exactly what happened with this particular client. While I felt that I was staying in touch between sessions, the client didn't interpret my emails in the same way. Do you have clients, colleagues or friends with whom email is your primary mode of communication? When was the last time you had a "live" conversation with them on the phone or face-to-face? If it's been a while, take a few moments today to do a high-quality check-in. Pick up the phone and give them a call, even if it's just to say that you were thinking of them. Reactions? Drop a quick reply to this email and let me know! ================================================================== About Joy Duling Best known for her "make-it-happen" attitude and her ability to connect big picture strategy with real world action, Joy Duling is a business coach and national speaker who helps time-pressed professionals clear away the day-to-day muck that keeps them from achieving their business and personal goals. A Day's Potential , published daily with wit and wisdom, is available by subscription only. A 25 Hour Day, LLC, 2000 W. Pioneer Parkway, Ste 6, Peoria, IL 61615, USA