A lesson in communication
Jun 20th, 2008 | By Chuck | Category: Humor CentralThis past week in the office has been a harrowing one. Much of this has to do with the fact that I will be away on business the coming Monday and Tuesday which means stuffing as much into the week as possible. The other reason is due to communicating (or trying to) with various executives at my place of business.
As I set here on a Friday evening I’ve come to the realization that my three year old daughter has taught me more about how to communicate with an executive than anyone or anything else.
- A three year old never hears you the first time you say something. The same is true of the executive.
- When the three year old finally does hear you it doesn’t mean they were listening. Yeah, another executive match.
- When you finally get the three year olds attention it is best to anticipate the questions and answer them before they are asked. What do you know? The executive behaves the same way.There is one key difference here that many rookies don’t pick up on until too late. The three year old is often logical in their line of questioning as long as you can keep them based in reality. The executive? Not so much. It seems that once the executive level is reached so is a reality perspective that is wholly their own. Some call this “vision”, some days it is closer to “illusion”.
My daughter has taught me to never leave any conversation or statement open ended. Something as simple as, “It’s time to brush your teeth.” can lead to some long discussions right before bed time.
Girl: What time is it?
Me: It’s 8:00 at night kiddo, bedtime.
Girl: So is it bedtime or brushing teeth time?
Me: First you have to brush your teeth, and then you go to bed.
Girl: But you said 8:00 is bedtime
Me: It is, but…
Girl: Then I can brush my teeth tomorrow?
Me: You’ll brush your teeth tomorrow too but you need to brush them now. Before bed.
Girl: Oh. OK
Girl: What time is it now? (after teeth are brushed)
Me: It’s 8:15
Girl: hmmm. I missed bedtime. I think Backyardigans is still on!
Me: Um no. Get in your room.
I need to update my resume. Just in case. If I ever have to remind an executive to brush their teeth I might just lose it.
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I had a VERY similar harrowing experience this week. I was explaining things to our highest level execs, with the exclusion of the pres, who is QUITE competent, and it was exactly as you described. I’d add in how they won’t stop talking and asking questions that you’ve already answered and doing their best to throw you off your well-planned agenda!
I actually gave up. I don’t think they noticed.
Greggs last blog post..My New Pants
Gregg - Man, do I know where you are coming from! Thankfully we do have a few execs that are clearly, and competently, steering the ship. Thanks for visiting!
I had a boss once that could have used some instructions of proper dental hygeine.
Three year olds are crafty–you gotta stay one step ahead or they will own you!
Ed (zoesdad)s last blog post..I Don’t Do Anything…..
Yes, I can wholeheartedly agree as one that has been owned on may occasions.
Lol…stumbled. That’s great!
cory huffs last blog post..What Does Religion Mean to Your Marriage?
Thanks Cory!
So, so true!!! Your daughter has a perfect career ahead of her as a lawyer. She and my stepdaughter can go into practice. She can split hairs with the best of them. Good for you for keeping your parent card firmly in your grasp.
Toms last blog post..More Words
About that parenting card. Where do they issue new ones, cause mine is purt near transparent these days.
“A three year old never hears you the first time you say something”
Or the third, fourth, fifth, or sixth time in my experiece
Dans last blog post..In Memoriam
Yeah. I must admit that occasionally we have that experience as well. Funny though, because I wonder if she would say the same thing about me.
She has an uncanny sense of logic… she’s a future executive to be reckoned with. You better be on your toes for the next 18 years, or so.
Tara R.s last blog post..In praise of the single parent
This post made me laugh so hard I cried!!! I would have loved to have seen her facial expressions and hand gestures. XOXO to you all!
Wait until daughter turns nine. She’ll be a regular V.P.
Momo Falis last blog post..I’m Putting My Car On A Charm Bracelet
I never thought of it that way, but I have to agree with you on all counts. I’ve met, and worked for, many executives who think that reality is whatever they make it to be. As you said, this may be visionary in some cases; however, most of the time it was just delusional ideas that other people had to figure out how to implement or execute with a lot of string and duct tape. Kids can be the same way, but at least it’s cute with them.