We all want R-E-S-P-E-C-T. But there’s something else I have been thinking a lot about lately: E-X-P-E-C-T.
It’s a tricky word and one we don’t discuss. We aren’t supposed to openly expect things from others, from life, but instead be a gracious receiver of whatever comes our way. When it comes down to doing business, though, expectation is acceptable and even required. Or if used to be. I remember a time not that long ago when people I worked with did what they said they would do within the agreed timeframe. There was reliability, accountability and integrity. Now we spend our days following up, leaving messages multiple times, and waiting for critical information so that we can get on with our lives.
I realize I sound like an old woman, but I am not longing for the days of payphones and manual typewriters. I harken back to a time when the promised proposal was sent, when test results were immediately provided, communications were returned, when business meant . . . business.
I could guess at the reason we’ve become a society of “I haven’t heard back”, but when you’re the one on the pending end it doesn’t matter the why. It’s unacceptable and just plain wrong.
If you don’t want my business, tell me.
If you want my business, tell me how much it will cost.
If I write you, reply.
If you have medical information, tell me. This isn’t a file of papers, it’s my health and my future sitting on your desk.
And that’s what E-X-P-E-C-T means to me. Sock it to me, sock it to me, sock it to me . . . without me having to track you down with repeated calls and messages.
