Be specific and clear
when giving directions or instructions.
|
Frustrated |
Too often, when giving
instructions we are not clear with our expectations and then are frustrated
when the other person does not complete the task as desired. Think of the
last time you were giving driving directions to someone and you stated turn
left at the intersection, they respond stating, "Turn left" then out
of habit you state "right". "Oh, I thought you said turn
left!" "I did, and we get upset when they turn right.
During my recent trip
to Panama and after unpacking my clothes, I stood there looking at a wrinkled
mess in front of me. I looked around the room and in the closets for an
iron and ironing board but could not locate one. Thankfully, I had time and after putting on
some lightweight clothes, I headed for the lobby of the hotel to visit the
city. The front desk attendant greeted me and I asked if guest services could
bring me an iron. He asked if I needed it immediately and I stated no
since I was going out for a few hours. Returning to my room a few hours
later I found an iron sitting on a desk and realized room services followed my
orders exactly but I was disappointed. Why was I disappointed? They
brought an iron but no ironing board. I had to laugh not at them but at me
since they followed my instructions completely. I envisioned ironing my shirts on my body (not
a good idea) and attempting to iron the shirts on the desk (another risky idea). Although I believed
they would bring both an iron and an ironing board they followed my
instructions to the letter. Was the
miscommunication a result in ‘lost in translation’ or me not clearly stating my
need? I believe it was my fault due to explaining exactly what I needed.
How often do others
follow our instructions to the letter but the results are not what we expected
because we did not state what we want done?
This practice holds true regardless of the situation or the audience.
3 Quick steps when
providing instructions to reduce frustration
1.
Think out the
instructions first
2.
Be specific in your
instructions
3.
Have the recipient
repeat the instructions or repeat them in a statement verifying the accuracy
1.
Thanks!
Housekeeping will have an iron and ironing board in my room when I
return.
High School Senior Portraits and Weddings by dr Frank
Seneca Valley Portraits
Montour School District
Black Hawk School District Portraits
Specializing in Wedding and Portrait Photography
Beaver County, Pittsburgh, and surrounding communities.