As I’ve written about before in my post “Sorry for the Delay?” I Don’t Accept Your Apology, it seems that our always-on culture has an unwritten expectation that an email should be responded to within 24 hours, regardless of when it is received. I do not have this expectation, and I prefer not to work with people who have it.
I recently had an exchange with some of my colleagues on this topic. I’m sharing it in case it will help others prevent the perpetuation of our unhealthy unwritten urgency rules:
Dear Colleagues:
Lately, I have especially appreciated the opportunity to work with you. One of the most important things I’ve recently learned about myself is that what I am working on is less important than who I am working with. When I team up with people who inspire me to be at my best and when I can inspire them to do the same, all sorts of unexpected opportunities unfold. Thank you.
I value your desire to keep the flow going. It’s always helpful to hear your feedback, and I’m always happy to wait a few days to hear your feedback if you feel you want to give it. To that end, I have two requests:
I notice that you (and I’m guilty of this too) often apologize for the time it takes you to respond to things. However, I do not feel a need for an apology, especially when you are busy sharing your greatest gifts that you feel inspired to share with the world. In fact, I often feel worse when you deliver an apology, because I want you to focus on your highest calling, which may or may not be answering my email in any given week.
However, if a situation arises in which you do not feel you will have anything to add, or you simply lack the desire to give feedback, I’d appreciate a quick note that says something like: “Saw this, I have nothing to add.” Or: “Saw this. I would like to add something but need a bit of time.”
Will that work for you? Would you like me to do the same, or do something different?
Open to your thoughts as always.
THANK YOU.
Elizabeth
