Don't Be That Boss: How Great Communicators Get the Most Out of Their Employees and Their Careers

Chapter 3. 9:00 am Financial Reports: A Star Is Born

9:01: West Coast Frustration for Chad

No word from Phil yet, and that has Chad a little antsy. The West Coast guys were always up and checking their BlackBerrys by now, in case there was a 911 from the mothership; and Chad's earlier e-mail would definitely qualify as a 911. He thinks it should have prompted some type of response. Chad needs to know that Phil got the message and that spreadsheet with the West Coast projected orders will be on the way soon.

Chad's first inclination is to fire off another e-mail. He turns to his computer and composes a second e-mail to Phil.

Subject: "WHERE ARE YOU?"

Phil. My earlier e-mail made it abundantly clear I need to hear from you . . . now. Please respond.

Chad

But he doesn't send the e-mail. He doesn't even pull up Phil's e-mail address to fill in the "To:" line. He decides to think some more about this. It's a wise decision.

Chad makes a quick analysis: Either something is wrong in Phil's personal life, Phil is pouting, or even worse, messing with him.

Oh screw it. I'll just call him, Chad thinks.

Then Chad puts the phone down. He doesn't want to appear either needy or weak, so he decides to wait it out for Phil. This is a poor decision.

9:10: West Coast Jeanie Comes Through

Back in his office, Mike checks his e-mail. He's happy to see a response from Jeanie along with an attachment.

Re: Re: JUST LEFT YOU AN IMPORTANT VM YOU NEED TO CHECK RIGHT NOW.

Mike: Here's the spreadsheet with the projections. ...