Sometimes it just takes someone from outside…

I need to give a HUGE shout out to my friend Karen Turner.  Karen runs an awesome business here in Calgary which helps businesses with efficiencies in business.  I first was introduced to Turner Efficiency at a local Calgary Green Drinks event which my good buddy Cody puts on each month.  When I met Karen’s team at this event the first thought which came into my mind was “man, I can use help with my own efficiencies”.

Unlike many of my peers, I spin my wheels daily on stuff in Outlook or on my BlackBerry which waste 2 minutes here or 5 minutes there.  What does this cost my in my own time?  Sure the costs associated with unproductive time have the potential of becoming large over time but what I learned from Karen was more about reputation management.  Managing your reputation is more important than any cost savings.

During our discussions with Karen I had my eyes opened to a number of things and how my actions impact more than just me and those around me. The most important lesson I picked up on was the impact some of the stuff I do has on our team and the small business clients we serve here in Calgary and throughout Central and Southern Alberta.  The major lesson I learned was around the speed in which I respond to emails and the time I send or respond to emails.

Why would I find this as an eye-opening experience?  Simple, for the longest time I was lead to believe that when I responded to emails fast it gave us a competitive advantage because we got back to people quick.  I belief was that if I sent emails out early in the morning or late in the day people would see that I am a hard worker, committed and even that I care.  But wait….

What is the impact going forward?

What Karen opened my eyes too was the impact or even the feedback my peers and colleagues actually were saying or believing.  When I respond quickly to a person’s need via email I thought I was going above the call of duty.  Sure it gives them the comfort that we are on the ball however it also sets an unreasonable expectation that this type of behaviour would happen on every exchange with me or my firm.  When it doesn’t, well it gives the impression that we are not able to take care of the client or colleague.

Now I know how things are with my own kids and why some of talks I have with them don’t seem to go anywhere.

I always wondered when I help them or give them some guidance on a typical challenge they have in their life and it goes nowhere.  But when their football coach tells them the same thing, well it is the greatest thing in the world.  Funny how this happens.  It is amazing that I demonstrated the same behaviour as my kids.

Thanks Karen and your team at Turner Efficiency for your excellent service.