Do you do your best to communicate according to the rules but get no reaction? Alex and Mara’s story may inspire you…
Alex burst into Mara’s office. Wound up and angry, he said: “I’ve really had enough this time! I communicate, communicate and communicate some more, but to no avail!”Mara raised her head from the file she was reading: “Maybe if you give me some more details.”Alex sat down and caught his breath.
“You know I systematically send a report on all project meetings to all participants and members of the management committee. You also know that I send weekly and monthly updates to all stakeholders involved in the project.”
“Yes, I know.”
“Well! Can you believe that Karl, from the finance department, dared to say in the cafeteria that he wasn’t up to date on what was happening in the project! What a nerve! If he doesn’t read my emails it’s certainly not my fault!”
“Yes, it’s exasperating. What are you going to do? ”
“How should I know! I’m not going to call him to check if he’s read every email I send. I’m not going to baby him! ”
“Tell me, how does it affect your project if Karl doesn’t read your emails? Or if he goes around saying he’s not up to date on the progress of the project? ”
“It’s just terrible! He’s the director’s adviser. If he doesn’t know how the project is going, he won’t bother to support it with management”.
“So you want him to be kept informed? ”
“Obviously! ”
“And what about him, what difference does it make if he doesn’t know anything about your project? ”
“He couldn’t care less, it’s not his project! ”
“So, why do you expect him to read your emails? ”
Alex was silent. He hadn’t thought of it from this point of view. Then he jumped up.
“You’re right, I need to find another way to inform on the progress of the project! I’m going to go ask him what he thinks”.
“Thank you! Thank you! “
What about you ? Do you have similar or different experiences? Let me know, I'll be happy to discuss it with you!
Artwork : Mélanie Bénard Tremblay, 2019, © Marakoudja.
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