Two truths and a lie…

I was recently talking to a potential new client, chatting through how we both worked and the ways we liked to communicate. To me this is a really important part of the discovery process of potential new clients or contracts. I’ve written before about how I use and trust my gut instinct when meeting people and in order to support this it’s key to understand expectations, working practices and communications styles. It is possible for two people to have totally different approaches which will cause clashes down the line.

Anyway, back to my point. At one point I was talking about my values and what I feel is important in a client/service provider relationship and I mentioned that honesty is a big part of that interaction for me. The lady I was talking to actually remarked upon this as being something refreshing, something she agreed with and something that she wished people did more of.

This poleaxed me a bit. The example I had given to illustrate this value was that if I was given a task to do that I didn’t feel I could accomplish (either in the given time frame or at all) because of a) lacking skills b) lacking time or c) it felt like something I didn’t agree with I would ensure that I communicated this so that the client was aware. This would obviously lead to more communication – could we amend the task, could we extend the deadline etc etc.

To me that is basic common sense. If you can’t do something but you say you can ultimately people are going to end up disappointed. On top of that you’re going to end of stressed – how on earth is that any way to run a professional business? Or keep your sanity in-tact?!

I know that it is really easy to say yes all the time to things and I know there is a big movement for saying yes and embracing the possibilities but sometimes saying yes to everything can land you in hot water. I also know that I have spoken before about how if you can’t currently do something, don’t panic and learn it as you go (best way to learn new skills when you’re chucked in at the deep end!).

Saying no in these cases are what will make enable better and more open communication and therefore stronger relationships. If the thought of saying no puts you off – think of it like this… You’re delaying the yes, making amends and compromises so it can be a yes. So, it’s not a no, it’s a future yes.