I wouldn't work without (WWW)

When was the last time you thought of something to tell someone...but, they were not "right there?" You know, you're at home, and you think of something to tell someone at work. Or, you're out at a movie, and you think of something to tell a work colleague. Well, what do you do? Call them? IM them? Send an Email? Type a text message?

 

Here's an experiment: For a few days, "bunch and discuss."

 

 

Here's the idea: Since there is a constant stream of thoughts you have that come in at all kinds of random times. In traffic. At dinner. While you're in line at the coffee shop... and, during these thoughts you no doubt think of someone you need to talk to - in life, or at work.

 

So, get a note card or dedicate a page in your notebook to a single person you talk to A LOT. Surely, you could implement this at work, save a page for your boss, a couple of co workers, and pershaps a direct report or intern or new hire. And, you can diecide if you'd like to do this for your life as well. A page for your coach, your financial advisor, your spouse, your kids...

 

Then, when you think of something to tell one of those folks, simply turn to the page and write it down. See if you can rite down a few things during the day to see what it would be like if you "bunch and discuss." I have found this to be a great way to save time and bring them the information you need, as you need it.

 

I think it makes more or most sense to interrupt someone one time with 3 or 5 things to discuss, more than 3 or 5 times with one thing to talk about at a time. Personally, I wouldn't work without agendas. Give it a try just for 5 days, and see what you come up with!

Comments

[Geoff Welch]

I agree... I would rather spend a few minutes working through a list of items than be interrupted over and over for every little thing.

[Mj_lawrence]

I'm definitely going to try this. I have the perfect notebook for it as well.

In a way, this is about relationship management, if you can help the important people in your life deal with you in a beneficial and un-frantic kind of way, they will want to keep you important to them as well.