In the past two weeks I have taught six classes in three states, along with travelling to Florida (from Seattle) to help my father clean out his house to sell. As you can imagine, it's been very hectic.
Yesterday morning, when I was in California getting ready to teach a class, I got this brief email from our graphic designer, Deborah Esposito of Mirror-Doc:
Good morning, you two! [She sent it to my husband-business partner too.]
Just a little nudge to say "Don't forget this isn't quite finished. . ."
That was all Deborah said, above a message she had sent on May 3 asking for my response to her questions about a design project she is doing for us.
To me, Deborah's message was a perfect little nudge.
What is wonderful is that Deborah left emotion out of the email. She might have said, "You are the one who was in a hurry on this project, Lynn!" and she would have been correct. She might have said, "I carved out time to do this for you. The least you could do is respond promptly!" and she would have been justified.
Instead, Deborah behaved like the professional she is, and just gave me a nudge.
I promise to get back to Deborah today. Now that my life is settling down, I will start blogging more often too.
But enough about me–what do you think of Deborah's approach?
Lynn
Syntax Training
Lovely! How to nudge without being a noodge. I like it.
I had a light bulb moment with that one. It’s easy to want to throw in your emotion to prove that you are not at fault. But I’m sure the nudge approach works a lot better!
I usually nudge by phone – even if it’s just a message. Speaking instead of writing makes the nudge more diplomatic and personal – and indeed lets me introduce some positive emotion that might be missing from the email nudge.
George
Irene, “noodge”–what an interesting word! Did you create it? It fits the situation well.
Lynn
Whitney, I am gratified about your lightbulb moment. And thanks for mentioning the reason someone might throw in emotion.
Lynn
George, thanks for adding your helpful comment. A nudge by phone makes perfect sense as long as one can control one’s tone. As you noted, a phone call creates the opportunity to communicate positive feelings.
Deborah sent her message at 7 a.m., which is probably the reason she wrote rather than phoning.
Lynn
Hi Lynn,
“Noodge” is a word I grew up with–a person who’s pushy. I believe it’s Yiddish. Great use of it in Irene’s comment.
Regarding your graphic designer, she took the correct action of gently and politely reminding you. As busy business owners, it’s people like Deborah that we treasure.
Hi, Paula. Thank you for informing me about “noodge.” I believe I need a Yiddish dictionary so I can consult it when I hear great words that sound fresh yet familiar.
I appreciate your comment. I hope all is going well at Sign-A-Rama Vermont.
Lynn
I think it is always essential to leave angry emotions out of business dealings, even when you are really frustrated! Like George, I also find a phone call is a useful way of moving things along tactfully.
I agree, Liz. Anger expressed to a customer or client rarely helps us reach our goals.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Lynn
Nice style. I have a question for you. I often have to email people with things I need done. They don’t respond and don’t get around to doing what is being asked. Often this occurs with bureaucratic companies. I’m trying to find a word or phrase that describes this passive unresponsiveness as a way of avoiding accountability. so far I have “Ostrich-ing” “email impotence” love to hear any suggestions
Hello, Mal. I am not sure they are simply avoiding accountability. People do not respond for many reasons.
I like your “ostriching.” Keep at it, and you will think of more good ones.
Lynn
When I’ve asked for a response and even given a deadline and people still don’t respond, I use the phrase “I’m not sure how to interpret your silence . . . help me understand.”