"Got a minute?"
"I've got five minutes, but no more than that for now. If you need more, we can schedule some time for later today."
"Got a minute?"
"You bet. What's up?"
"I'm running into a problem with Ted on the Hazelton project."
"Hmm. If you were to describe the problem in one sentence, what would it be?"
"Got a minute?"
"Is it about your ideas for the marketing plan meeting?"
"Yeah."
"Can you give me a one-page memo with your thoughts so I can digest them before we meet?"
"Sure."
"Don't make it fancy. Just a one-pager of the essential stuff."
"Okay."
2 comments:
What I like about this post is it helps a manager convey the idea that his time is valuable, and that in a way which is not condescending. The greatest favor one boss ever did to me was to make me understand that his time was more valuable than mine. Since you worked in law this was probably your experience too, but those who never worked in a bill by the hour profession don't always get it. If it takes me an extra hour to save my boss 10 minutes, it's probably worth it.
Since I started to change my entire approach to work with the idea of saving my boss time, my approach to all other aspects of my job changed. I also save my co-workers time, and myself time, and have been able to increase my own productivity over the years. With increased productivity has come recognition, and increased responsibility, and increased pay.
Love this post! I tend to be a "read the script" kind of girl when it comes to certain life-situations, so this is right up my alley. I also especially appreciate that there were three different options.
All too often, the "experts" are married to one particular philosophy or response, and I like that you've given three great ways to react - and from both perspectives of the conversation.
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