Responsive & Respectful (The New R&R)

We can all use a little R& R from time to time where we take time to get away from the busyness of life and the stress that comes along with it.  This is our way of mentally and emotionally recharging to be able to get up and jump back in the game.  When I mention R& R I’m not referring to Rest & Relaxation which is a necessary part of our self-care regimen, but the R& R I’m referring to is Responsive and Respectful which is a form of caring in communication we extend to others.  Effective communication is communicating in a way that ensures your audience understands the intended message.  Communication happens in many forms, phone, in-person, mail, email, and social media and no matter which form you’re using the expectation during the exchange is that of being Responsive and Respectful.   Responsive Communication is to react to the needs of others in a timely and appropriate manner and Respectful Communication is to be polite, honest and understand that if they reach out to you using either of these forms of communication a response may be expected.  Out of respect for the sender some sort of reply is necessary even if it an auto-reply message.

I recently sent both a text and an email to someone I’m working with on a project, and I noticed that almost a week had passed since I received a response and instructions on the matter.  Considering the context of both communications I expected a response the same day or at least by the end of the next day.  I did not receive a response until six days later and during that time while waiting for the response I felt a sense of disrespect for my time and my concern.  Sure, it’s possible the recipient may have been busy, but would you agree that depending on the context of the message they should at least acknowledge receipt of the message.   Those who are close to me know that if you reach out to me after 8pm (on any night) they most likely will not get a response from me until the next day.  In this instance the sender is aware that they will not get a quick response but knows that I will connect with them the next day.  In this situation I’m being both responsive and respectful and the person waiting on my response doesn’t feel like they’re in a black hole waiting and wondering if I received their message and/or if I will respond instantly.  I’m practicing a form of self-care by not feeling need to rush to a response and being respectful by letting them know that their message is important but I will respond at a later time.   Now whenever I don’t require a response, I will start my message off with the following statement, "No Response Required" which can take the burden off both the [me] the sender and [them] the recipient of the communication.

Straight Talk Tips

• Be considerate. If the communication requires a response, then acknowledge receipt of the message with a timeline for a formal response.

• If you're able to do so create an auto-reply message that briefly explains why a quick response will not happen.

• In a team or group setting be sure to set communication boundaries up front so that everyone involved have clear expectations when it comes to voicemail, email, text, etc.

• Think of how you would feel if you were waiting on a response. Respond to others the same way you want them to respond to you.