Here’s a small productivity hack on how to help you all get more stuff done and over the goal line

Consider you have a solution to a potential problem in the organization and you want to pitch it to the your co-workers, management or Executive Team. Notice how these two emails below are very similar in content but very different in their messaging.

Example 1 

“I’ve included you all on this email to get your feedback on my potential solution.  If anyone has any comments, concerns, or suggestions please let me know. Once I get all your feedback and approval I will move forward with my solution.”

Example 2

“I’ve included you all on this email to get your feedback on my potential solution. If anyone has any comments, concerns, or suggestions please let me know within the next 24 hours. Otherwise I will be moving forward with the solution.”

In Example 1 you have left this open ended, hamstringing yourself until all feedback is received. You’ve created an impediment and now you’ve lost control of the process – not good.

In Example 2 you’ve given everyone an opportunity to provide feedback but you’ve time-bound it, so you are still in control of moving forward on your timeline. Silence is considered approval. This will promote a strong sense of urgency as well.

It’s s small adjustment but if you deploy strategy #2 you will be able to get things over the goal line quicker.