A few weeks ago, we welcomed another marketing and communications team to the 'family.' While the reasons and rationale for making the reporting relationship change were clear to those making the decision, I never want to assume that reasons and rationale are clear to everyone. So, instead of assuming, we tried to make sure we shared the reasons in an up close and personal manner with all involved -- giving everyone the opportunity to ask questions. This process reminded me that we need to make sure that everyone knows the 'question-asking opportunity door' is never closed. Whether it is a big change, a small change or something that makes you go "I wonder....", please ask. I commit to answering -- whether the answer is easy for me to give immediately, falls into the bucket of "Let me find out" or into that even more difficult bucket of "I know, but can't share the information with you at this time."
As a working leader of what is now a pretty large organization, 'open time' to have an open door policy is sometimes difficult to manage. I am not whining -- we all work really hard and have a lot of pushes and pulls on our time. All of us juggle a lot of projects with numerous demands from clients -- me included. Because of this juggling act, finding the time to ask about things you might be wondering is often difficult to find. And, sometimes getting the answer (when the question is asked of me) might take longer than I hope. BUT, getting an answer back to you shouldn't take forever. If it seems like it is taking forever, please re-ask -- especially if the questions was asked via e-mail (pc gremlins invade at times) or face-to-face while in a meeting on another topic (aging brain overload invades at times). I want you to have the answers you seek. First, because if you are wondering something, it is quite possible other team members are wondering as well. And, second because once you have the answer, you don't have to wonder anymore and can use that brain space for other stuff!
Because it is December 16, this may be my last blogged thought of the 2011, so I want to wish everyone a wonderful season of whatever holiday you celebrate (Festivus anyone?) and a safe and peaceful New Year. I feel very fortunate to work for BJC which allows me to work with all of you.
