Negotiation Information

While Youre Waiting


Not long ago, I made a partnership pitch, on behalf of an organization I represent, to another organization with similar interests. If the idea had come to fruition, it would have radically changed our organization.

So, you can imagine my impatience when I didn't hear back from the person to whom I'd made the proposal. She had welcomed the idea, but told me the decision would be made by a council within her organization.

Given the dynamics of an important decision about the future of their organization, I didn't expect a quick response. But, I would have liked at least an update advising me on the status of their considerations.

Then, I had a "Eureka," or maybe I should call it a "Whoops," moment. I realized I hadn't reported back to the people in my organization either. That made me guilty of the same lapse of communication as the lady in the other organization. With that recognition, I made amends by sending out an email to my organization, and followed up with a report at a meeting.

In taking an analytical view of this incident, I realized that nothing can be something when it comes to communication.

The idea that nothing can be something seems counter-intuitive. But remember the famous Sherlock Holmes observation about the dog that didn't bark; the fictitious detective solved a baffling case by noting what did not happen, rather than what did happen.

You can probably come up with several ideas about the importance of communicating even though nothing has changed. That's especially true if you're the one who didn't hear from someone else.

First, you may have made plans that assume either a change in or a continuation of the status quo. Perhaps you're holding off on holiday plans until the issue is resolved one way or the other.

Second, at least you know that an anticipated decision or event hasn't yet occurred, and that you didn't miss something (for example, as I write this I'm waiting for a client to confirm some information and it would be nice to know that I haven't missed a callback or an emailed reply).

Third, if you've received an update telling you nothing has happened, you don't need to contact that person and ask if there have been any developments. Similarly, you can advise the people who look to you for information.

One other note about the 'nothing can be something' idea: It's a variation on what I've called the Everybody Knows syndrome. That refers to a failure to communicate, based on the assumption that others know what I know.

In summary, it's a good idea to report regularly, even if nothing has happened, since others may not know you're still waiting as well.

About The Author

Robert F. Abbott writes and publishes Abbott's Communication Letter. If you subscribe, you will receive, at no charge, communication tips that help you lead or manage more effectively. You can get more information here: http://www.CommunicationNewsletter.com

abbottr@managersguide.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Ghana: Government-EU Negotiation On Timber Trade Ends
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It is the third negotiation since the process begun in December 2006, upon the request of the Ghana government to the EU for such an agreement to be reached ...


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AllAfrica.com, Washington - May 15, 2008
Progress has been made in discussions between the Liberia Telecommunication Authority and the for GSM cellular phone companies in respect of the ...


APAMO EQUIPS MEMBERS WITH ADVOCACY AND NEGOTIATION SKILLS
LoveFM, Belize - May 15, 2008
... of Protected Areas Management Organizations are today taking part in the final day of a four day training in Effective Advocacy and Negotiation Skills. ...


County schools OK negotiation for land
The Huntsville Times - al.com, AL - May 16, 2008
By KENNETH KESNER The Madison County Board of Education gave Superintendent Terry Davis permission Thursday night to negotiate for land for a high school in ...


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The Coloradoan, CO - May 15, 2008
A win-win negotiation is always preferable to win-lose. Win-win resolves issues, satisfies the objectives of both parties, and usually results in a good ...


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JENSEN BEACH, FL--(Marketwire - May 15, 2008) - Techlabs, Inc. ( PINKSHEETS : TCHL) reported that it is currently in negotiation to acquire and therein ...
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The Southern Ledger

World expects US to be non-violent and respectful of human rights
The New Nation, Bangladesh - 5 hours ago
President Bush thinks negotiation with Iran and Syria for peace in the region is appeasement. In other words, he does not mean peace or he does not have a ...
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Evening Post

Former Sefton Council leader says he is "open to negotiation"
icSeftonandWestLancs, UK - May 15, 2008
by Mark Johnson, Bootle Times SEFTON’S Liberal Democrat boss said the door remains open for negotiation almost a week after his dramatic resignation as ...
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Negotiation - Google News

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