“By when can you get that done?”
If we ask people to get something done, it may get done. If we ask them if they can get it done by a certain date, they may negotiate the date. And they will more likely get it done on time, as promised.
If someone has asked us to do something but hasn’t given us a deadline, we can always say, “Sure. By when would you like to see it?” If someone asks for something by a date we can’t deliver, we can always say something like, “Yes, and I can’t get it done by then. Would end-of-business on the following Monday work?”
Having negotiated the due date, everyone breathes a bit easier and work flows better.
Let’s remember to ask, “By when?”
In your corner,
Mike
Today’s photo credit: Dafne Cholet cc