THE WAITING GAME

# Business Responsiveness#Professionalism# Professional Courtsey# Brand Building# Brand Equity# Business Relationships# Customercentricity# Business Interactions# Leaders#Managers#

Raj returned from his business meeting, a feeling of exhilaration and anticipation of the discussed partnership. He waited for the final closure of the deal by way of inking the contract stating the terms and conditions and the scope of the engagement. A couple of days go by, a casual checking of emails shows that the proposed party has not sent the expected document. He did not worry, the discussions had been positive, and the proposed partner had ensured interest to take the engagement forward. One week, later – No phone call and No Email. Warning Bells clanged internally, and feeling of finality settled that the proposed business deal that was discussed would not fructify – But there was no indication from the Business Partner that it would not be so. What should he do in such a circumstance?

Wait and Watch?

Send an Email? – Would that seem over-eager and thereby affect his negotiating power?

Call the Partner? – Again, would it seem to be too eager?

His mind was in a churn. What should the next step be?

Everyone in Business or personal relationships faces this circumstance where they feel frozen, and do not know what the next step should be in terms of taking a relationship/ understanding forward. Would they be cutting a sorry face? or would they seem to be genuinely interested in the engagement or will their partner think they do not have the patience to wait for them to initiate the next step?.

The waiting game brings with it anxiety and unanswered questions. In Businesses, Responsiveness to a client / a professional is often an ignored courtesy by many. There is a general understanding that if one does not hear for a specific period of time, it is an unstated NO. In this way, the discomfort of actually saying NO is obliterated. This however creates a poor image of the brand and the person in question. Being mindful of common courtesy and business etiquette is a hallmark of every professional. Closing a loop, even with a negative is still closure.

In the meanwhile, the best course of action to be taken could be:

1. The Direct Approach – It is good to pick up the phone and call the person and understand the reason for the lapse in time and cross-check if the discussed agenda still holds good and confirm renewed timelines for the expected deliverables.

2. Emailing – An email asking if all is well and communicating regarding the understanding and when you can expect a response is a good way to re-enter the discussion and get a better understanding of the state of affairs existing between the two parties.

3. Avoid Texting and requesting a response to the same.

4. Call and suggest a further meeting to discuss and iron out any issues that are standing in the way of completing closure.

Responsiveness in Business dealings is a positive trait and shows that the person respects the time and interest of the person that they are dealing with to engage in business. It’s a small courtesy and goes a long way in forging relationships both personally and professionally. In case of inadvertent delays, it’s important to appraise the person regarding the same and then adhere to the new mutually accepted timelines. Responsiveness is a solid Brand Builder and carries Equity in the market.

Prarthana Sethumadhavan- Leadership and Transformational Coach