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My season for the need of fixing problems appears to be now.
Yesterday’s blog asked the question, ‘How Do You Adapt to Resolving Problems?’ Little did I realize the theme will continue.
Years ago, a spiritual group taught me about Mercury in Retrograde and that things happen for a reason. We were told to just wait out the circumstance. I found the Retrograde insights fascinating. And it is far easier to step aside for problems to settle on their own. But given we are entrepreneurs and salespeople, action for fixing issues is required. Today’s blog provides insight on how to gain agreement for moving forward.
Anger hit upon my receiving notice that a payment was late. I was angry because payment was sent on time, and yet I was stuck with a late fee. I choose to pay bills on time for numerous reasons. Most of all, I wish to maintain good credit and avoid the needless expense of late fees. Automatic payment removes the worry about stolen checks on a porch. And the proof of payment is literally at our fingertips.
My job was to prepare the facts and gather documentation for negotiating a meeting of the minds. It is best to approach the difficulty as if we are all guilty contributors. Only two facts were presented. First, I admitted that payment was made on a Friday. The weekend added two days to the delivery time. But, it is also highly likely that the clerks were too busy to record payment on Monday. I emphasized that the problem is not 100% on me, or them, and that everyone has to share in the blame.
Related: Are You Ready to Change the Details?
Simply stating a problem is never helpful by itself.
Suggested actionable steps are a requirement for asking others to agree with you. I pledged to pay at the beginning of the week, from now on, to assist them with their processes. I then suggested that in the same spirit of finding a favorable conclusion, they waive the late fee.
My letter ended with the thought, “When we work collaboratively for the greater good, greater things will happen.”
Adding an ounce of guilt, such as sharing the blame, goes a long way. The arrangement is not yet final, but these are the steps that usually work for fixing problems.
It’s always a good idea to double-check your processes in place to be certain they work well. The surest way to favorably settle an issue is to keep calm, focused, and work to the benefit of all those involved.
The last quarter of the season is an excellent time to review all systems within your organization. During the holidays there is a window of opportunity to revitalize what is in place. You might also upgrade tools and apps. And if you have employees, get their input, too. Workers are the ones who are in the middle of the operation, and will provide excellent ideas. By January, you will be well positioned to move forward without distraction.