Not to be too hard on myself, it has been a busy and unpredictable start to the academic year. That taken into consideration, I still got it horribly wrong this week when I colleague tried to follow up an email and engage in a ‘have you got a moment?’ conversation. Only I didn’t have a moment, worse, I did really handle that situation as I should have.
Even though I was ploughing through what felt like an inexorable todo list, my lack of humility or listening skills, was still bothering me later that evening. I emailed an apology, offered an opportunity to meet at a later point and popped my head in at tutor the next morning. Still – I know I got it wrong, I know that, despite the agreeable acceptance. This weekend, I put aside a little time for some self improvement.
How could I have handled it better?
In this instance, I didn’t have a moment. Though there have been other occasions where I have tried to squeeze in a conversation, I didn’t really have time for either. Here is a summary of what the EI experts suggest.
No time
Greet. Confirm the inquiry is important to you. Remember what you are saying with your body language is probably more important than what you actually say, if you can.
Oh. Hello X.
X: Have you got a moment?
[Relax the tone in your voice. Take a breath. Smile]
I’m interested, only I have a meeting in five minutes / I have a report deadline this afternoon, and I would want to give you my full attention.
[Establish accountability]
Can we meet tomorrow / Thursday?
In these tight exchanges, you have the opportunity to invite the colleague to a longer conversation at a later time.
Limited time
Oh. Hello X.
X: Have you got a moment?
[Relax the tone in your voice. Take a breath. Smile]
I’m interested, only I have a meeting in twenty minutes / I have a report deadline this afternoon.
[Help them get to the point quickly]
Tell me, how can I help.
[Assess the situation. Can you address the situation in half the time you stated above? Yes – proceed. No – establish accountability]
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