I just had one of those weeks that was completely frustrating.
Truth is, it was difficult, in part, because I had several little issues working that were only one phone call, one return email, or one message away from being resolved. Collectively, they covered both my personal life, and my work life. I had a very difficult time, especially on Friday, focusing on anything because of these loose ends. And, unfortunately, they all, in GTD terms, would be classified as @Waiting For.
In each case, I could not get a return phone call, email, or message from any of the people I needed to get any of these things completed.
To be honest, to say that I was frustrated would have been a true understatement.
As I write this, a couple of these issues have yet to be resolved.
After taking the weekend to think about all of this, it caused me to think about times I am on the other end of the issue.
Do I ever delay someone by not making a simple call, or replying to an email?
Do not get the wrong idea. I am all about managing expectations. I have written about that before, and I will write about it again. It is important that we do not allow ourselves to get painted into a corner promising something to someone that we are not willing to provide consistently.
However, when someone is waiting for us to close a loop, it is important that we put forth the effort to make that happen. I am now more sensitive to the needs of others in this area as a result of my own bout with frustration.
If all I ever ask of others is a little effort, I must also demand that same level of effort of myself.
- Jason
