Not Turning Up
Last week seemed to be a week of cancellations and missed appointments.
Now I know that life gets in the way and we can't always allow for the unexpected but do you often end up having to cancel things at the last minute. People often seem to take the time and effort to book, register or sign-up for meetings, seminars and workshops and then just not turn up. Sometimes they may have a valid reason, sometimes it’s just a symptom of disorganisation, poor planning or over commitment.
If you've agreed to be there - the expectation is that you are going to turn up. If you have to change your plans or realise that you can't make it, call the person at the first and earliest opportunity to let them know. They've made an effort to arrange things in the first place, so respect the other person’s time as much as you would expect someone to respect yours.
Many people seem to say yes when what they actually mean is, probably not or they haven’t really thought about it but just say yes anyway. If you're always saying yes to things and then not turning up or letting people down at the last minute, start being more realistic with your time. Don’t say yes if you’re not sure. Don't over commit - make a tentative arrangement if you need to and then confirm nearer the time but agree this upfront, so that the other person isn't left in doubt or can follow-up if they haven’t heard from you.
What gets in your way to make you miss an appointment, you've committed to?
What can you change so that you don't make commitments you can't keep?
Now I know that life gets in the way and we can't always allow for the unexpected but do you often end up having to cancel things at the last minute. People often seem to take the time and effort to book, register or sign-up for meetings, seminars and workshops and then just not turn up. Sometimes they may have a valid reason, sometimes it’s just a symptom of disorganisation, poor planning or over commitment.
If you've agreed to be there - the expectation is that you are going to turn up. If you have to change your plans or realise that you can't make it, call the person at the first and earliest opportunity to let them know. They've made an effort to arrange things in the first place, so respect the other person’s time as much as you would expect someone to respect yours.
Many people seem to say yes when what they actually mean is, probably not or they haven’t really thought about it but just say yes anyway. If you're always saying yes to things and then not turning up or letting people down at the last minute, start being more realistic with your time. Don’t say yes if you’re not sure. Don't over commit - make a tentative arrangement if you need to and then confirm nearer the time but agree this upfront, so that the other person isn't left in doubt or can follow-up if they haven’t heard from you.
What gets in your way to make you miss an appointment, you've committed to?
What can you change so that you don't make commitments you can't keep?
Labels: communication, make a difference, time
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