By Nancy Friedman, founder, chairman, Telephone Doctor, Customer Service Training, Keynote Customer Service Speaker

The other day a friend of mine complained that the ‘stuff’ he asks for around the office is rarely given to him in a timely manner. He asks for reports, data and other items and often gets an “I forgot” or “Gee, I”m Sorry I was so busy” when he asks for the information. He wanted to know if I had any tips. “Only the ones I use”, I told him. Not perfect but it sure helps.

I asked if he was using “stated deadlines”. “What are those” he asked? Well, let’s just say jobs left to be done on their own seldom get done in a timely manner.

How do you ask for the information? He told me he usually says: “when you can” or “oh, anytime this week” or other loosey goosey timelines.

To get what you need from coworkers, friends and even family members we suggest using STATED DEADLINES.

Meaning: “Bob, I need this department report by Friday, January 24 at 12 noon.”

Four specific time frames A DAY – A MONTH – A DATE – and A TIME. Anything less leaves it up to the other person. At their descrestion.

Please RSVP by March 1, 2020 could help also. LOL Weddings and Bar Mitzhahs use that. Why don’t we? Deadlines get respected, more than, “when you can”…….

This short video may help.

Hope so. Enjoy and share. Others may need the info as well.