Deadlines come and go

Deadlines are what drive S. crazy. "They don't keep to deadlines!!" she exclaimed, "and it drives me crazy".

"So, what do you do?" I asked.

"Well, for example this morning I set a meeting time, then I sent an email to everyone, then I followed up with individual phone calls about 30 minutes before, then I arrived on time, and waited."

"And?"

"A few people started wandering in about 15 minutes later, chatting on their phones with a coffee, others arrived and finally about 30% of the group was there."

"Well, is it ALWAYS this way, I mean, I've seen Italians come through with everything well organized and on time, haven't you?"

"oh, yes, of course, on time, everything prepared, perfectly, sometimes."

"Well, what is going on when it works? What is different? What works, when it works?

Her pumpkin ravioli froze in mid-air as she stopped to think, and down it went to rest on her plate as she continued to reflect. And I patiently waited. In silence.

Slowly she looked up, "that would be when they own the question. Then deadlines are not an issue, it all gets down, wonderfully and on time."

"So, what will you do next time you need to have everyone at a meeting?"


a domani,
E