In the dynamic landscape of modern business, effective communication stands as a cornerstone of success. Yet, amidst the proliferation of communication channels, there exists a growing challenge: aligning responsiveness expectations. As technology continues to evolve, so too do the norms surrounding timely interaction. In this article, we delve into the importance of aligning responsiveness expectations in today’s workplace. From understanding the significance of timely communication to implementing strategies for fostering professionalism, we explore how organizations can navigate this vital aspect of modern business culture. Join us as we uncover the keys to cultivating professional communication in an ever-changing professional landscape.
Do you remember the days before answering machines, pagers, voice mail, email, and texting? No? Well, I guess that demonstrates one of the massive cultural divides between baby boomers still in the workforce and millennials who probably can’t imagine life without the tools of today’s technology.
Today, there remains a divide in the expectations we have for one another and between organizations for timely responses or what we can call “responsiveness” as a common topic of professionalism. As long as the business world continues to believe in subjects like ethics, professionalism, politeness, and diplomacy, responsiveness will differentiate one person and one organization from another.
Do any of the following experiences resonate with you?
- Phone calls not being returned
- Emails seemingly ignored
- Your phone is blowing up with texts
- You’re frustrated with your team members not responding to you in a timely manner
- You’re frustrated with the expectations others place on you when they ping you through phone, text, or email
All of these experiences are symptoms of a virus creeping inside your organizational culture. It’s a culture not aligned due to mismanagement of expectations. Alignment of expectations and values does not happen by accident. It is an intentional process of working toward cooperation and agreement.
Here’s the problem: advances in technology and innovation continue to disrupt the norm. What was possible and expected years or even months ago has changed and will continue to do so. It seems that if a message, regardless of its channel, lands in one of your virtual “in boxes” (this used to be a literal tray on one’s desk), the sender’s expectation of your response time will not match yours. To make matters worse, you may not feel a need to respond at all.
Aligning Responsiveness Expectations: Cultivating Professional Communication in the Modern Workplace
It’s time to align expectations with your core team, your vendors, and your customers. It may sound petty but it’s not. We all appreciate working in alignment with others. To develop healthy and professional relationships, follow the following process to align expectations for responsiveness:
- Identify what relational categories need to be aligned: core team, customers, vendors, etc. Decide what channels you will open (or close) to receive messages for each relational category: phone, text, web inquiry, and various email sources (email, social media channels, etc.). Remember, when you open a channel of communication, you invite conversation.
- Collaborate a win-win expectation with each relationship category.
- Communicate generally agreed-upon expectations (alignment) for each channel and relationship category. For example, a voicemail can relate these expectations while directing them to one or more relationship categories. An auto-response for email inquiries can accomplish a similar goal.
- Consider establishing organizational norms for responsiveness. Record, evaluate, and adjust as needed. Make aligned expectations for responsiveness part of your corporate code of ethics or professional behavior.
Being accessible to others is still within your realm of control and is one element of how your character will be defined by others. Be accessible to the right people, be responsible, be professional.
Explore More Content
Ready to enhance your organization’s professionalism? Dive deeper into the realm of aligning responsiveness expectations for optimal communication. Click now to learn invaluable insights!
- Bad Coaching – Putting Aside Responsiveness
- The Professional
- Scattered – Building Personal and Professional Playbooks
Together, we can invest in great leaders. You can make a difference! 💙
Thank you for reading our Monday Moments! If this was helpful, share this with a friend!
Ready to become a better communicator and build your character?
Join the Lead Today Community to get more info.
We deliver free leadership training through The Today Counts Show podcast.
🎧 Listen/Watch on your favorite platform: Spotify | Apple | Youtube | Lead Today Website
Get a copy of Jim’s new book Story: The Art Of Learning From Your Past
Here are FREE gifts for you!
- Get The First Seven Pages of STORY For FREE!
- Learn to stop losing and start achieving in your area of influence with this exclusive eBook. >>> Click here to get your free bundle.
Have you seen our YouTube Channel? We are releasing more content to help you grow. Come check out our latest videos, and while you’re there, please like the video and subscribe.
👍 Follow us on Social Media for more content
- Like our Facebook page
- Follow us on Instagram: @leadtodaycommunity | @jimpiper_jr
- Subscribe to our YouTube channel
- Connect with us on LinkedIn
- Join our Facebook Group | LinkedIn Group
Need a Keynote Speaker for your next team meeting, community gathering, or training session? I’d love to speak to your group (in person or virtual)! Contact me to discuss your specific needs and desired outcomes. BOOK JIM NOW
🎙️ Interested in becoming our next podcast guest? Send us an email: jim@leadtodaycommunity.com
👕 Spread encouragement and support with our Lead Today Hebrews 3:13 shirt. Order yours now
You may further support our mission through donation and by purchase of our books and merchandise.
The Lead Today Community exists to raise up moral and effective leaders in every sector of society.
