Ever made a
request for something to be done only to hear, “I’ll get it done ASAP,” or
“I’ll get back to you ASAP”? This response
just leads to uncertainty and confusion about what is real and when things will
happen. Truth be told, ASAP is a phrase
that doesn’t come from anyone who is serious about getting things done. It is a strategy for postponement of work,
poor performance, or breaking commitments. It is often a chief cause of
breakdowns in teams who count on each other to get things completed in a timely
manner. ASAP is the vernacular for the
semi-committed. It is for those who seem
more comfortable living with unspecified promises than they are about giving
the gift of clear commitment.
The phrase
ASAP has no specifics or timelines attached to it and shows a lack of concern
for others’ commitments and responsibilities.
It’s a form of ambiguity that, in the end, will require more work than
being clear in the first place. How much more effective could we be if every
commitment and conversation were specific? People appreciate it when we tell
them what’s real. They are able to stay
accountable, share details of the commitment with others, and track progress
along the way. The remedy for life productivity and stress reduction rests
largely on what we can count on, and counting on ASAP just isn’t possible.
Say
good-bye to ASAP, ASAP!
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