Communicating with Case Studies

Not long ago, I made a partnership pitch, on behalf of an organization I represent, to another organization with similar interests. If the idea had come to fruition, it would have radically changed our organization.

So, you can imagine my impatience when I didn't hear back from the person to whom I'd made the proposal. She had welcomed the idea, but told me the decision would be made by a council within her organization.

Given the dynamics of an important decision about the future of their organization, I didn't expect a quick response. But, I would have liked at least an update advising me on the status of their considerations.

Then, I had a "Eureka," or maybe I should call it a "Whoops," moment. I realized I hadn't reported back to the people in my organization either. That made me guilty of the same lapse of communication as the lady in the other organization. With that recognition, I made amends by sending out an email to my organization, and followed up with a report at a meeting.

In taking an analytical view of this incident, I realized that nothing can be something when it comes to communication.

The idea that nothing can be something seems counter-intuitive. But remember the famous Sherlock Holmes observation about the dog that didn't bark; the fictitious detective solved a baffling case by noting what did not happen, rather than what did happen.

You can probably come up with several ideas about the importance of communicating even though nothing has changed. That's especially true if you're the one who didn't hear from someone else.

First, you may have made plans that assume either a change in or a continuation of the status quo. Perhaps you're holding off on holiday plans until the issue is resolved one way or the other.

Second, at least you know that an anticipated decision or event hasn't yet occurred, and that you didn't miss something (for example, as I write this I'm waiting for a client to confirm some information and it would be nice to know that I haven't missed a callback or an emailed reply).

Third, if you've received an update telling you nothing has happened, you don't need to contact that person and ask if there have been any developments. Similarly, you can advise the people who look to you for information.

One other note about the 'nothing can be something' idea: It's a variation on what I've called the Everybody Knows syndrome. That refers to a failure to communicate, based on the assumption that others know what I know.

In summary, it's a good idea to report regularly, even if nothing has happened, since others may not know you're still waiting as well.

About The Author

Robert F. Abbott writes and publishes Abbott's Communication Letter. If you subscribe, you will receive, at no charge, communication tips that help you lead or manage more effectively. You can get more information here: http://www.CommunicationNewsletter.com

abbottr@managersguide.com

Boston Globe
WTA tour to allow on-court tennis coaching
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - Sep 4, 2008
On-court coaching will be allowed at all women's tournaments next season, apart from the four grand slams, in a move that will not please the ...
WTA to Feature On-Court Coaching Washington Post
WTA approves coaching during matches San Francisco Chronicle
WTA Tour allows on-court coaching next year The Associated Press
SINDH TODAY - New York Timesall 230 news articles

USA Boxing national director of coaching Campbell steps down
ESPN - 22 hours ago
By Dan Rafael Less that two weeks after leading the US Olympic boxing team to its worst performance ever at the Beijing Games, national director of coaching ...

FightOnState.com
Beavers to face coaching legend today
Statesman Journal, OR - 12 hours ago
By Gary Horowitz • Statesman Journal It was a moment that speaks to the legend and longevity of Penn State coach Joe Paterno. When Lyle Moevao was asked ...
Fly Sweep leads to big plays for Rodgers, Beaver offense The Daily Collegian Online
Countdown to Beavers kickoff: A daunting challenge at Penn State The Oregonian - OregonLive.com
Penn State: Lions' flexibility tested by player suspensions Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Albany Democrat Herald - The Register-Guardall 207 news articles

Vols football: Cooper earns coaching staff's respect
Jackson Sun, TN - 12 hours ago
Cooper began preparing for a bigger role during the Vols' fall camp, but coach Phillip Fulmer was still concerned with his consistency during the offseason. ...

Patriots plan to adjust
Boston Globe, United States - 15 hours ago
His name was bandied about for head coaching positions. But in the biggest game of the season, Super Bowl XLII, the symphony of offensive precision the ...
Patriots Beat: McDaniels is back on the offensive MetroWest Daily News
Patriots offensive coordinator McDaniels says offense is ahead of ... Providence Journal
Patriots Josh McDaniels is the man with a plan The Patriot Ledger
all 8 news articles

Woodbridge, Angelique give coaching to young players
Jakarta Post, Indonesia - 18 hours ago
Nine-time Wimbledon men's doubles champion Australian Todd Woodbridge and Indonesia's former No. 1 player Angelique Widjaja shared tennis tidbits and ...

Math wiz plans special coaching to raise funds
Times of India, India - 22 hours ago
"That will be my small contribution," said Anand who runs the "Super 30" classes for 30 poor IIT aspirants and provides them free coaching, food and lodging ...

The Free Lance-Star
Familiar Faces to Greet London at U-Va.
Washington Post, United States - 15 hours ago
By Zach Berman When Mike London left his position as Virginia's defensive coordinator to accept the Richmond head coaching job in January, his wife, Regina, ...
Spiders, London pay visit to Charlottesville University of Virginia The Cavalier Daily
London calling, on other sideline Daily Press
all 21 news articles

Los Angeles Times
Heat title 'validated' Riley
Sun-Sentinel.com, FL - 15 hours ago
Four titles later with a Lakers roster oozing charisma, Riley's coaching star was undeniable. Yet Friday, as he prepared to offer the final speech of a ...
Pat Riley to enter Basketball Hall of Fame Los Angeles Times
Riley credits Schenectady roots to career of success Schenectady Gazette
A grateful Pat Riley is inducted into Hall Palm Beach Post
Albany Times Union - Palm Beach Postall 41 news articles

Bleacher Report
Rick Neuheisel Tops List of Week One Coaching Debuts
Bleacher Report, CA - Sep 5, 2008
by Andy (Columnist) #1 Rick Neuheisel, UCLA: The obvious first pick in this division knocked off 18th-ranked Tennessee at the Rose Bowl because he’sa ...
Colorado Writers Taking Note of "Rick Ball" Bruins Nation
Spaulding Roundup: News & Notes From Practice Bruins Nation
Tennessee Loses in Overtime, Phil Fulmer Dazed and Confused, Slick ... Bleacher Report
Bruins Nationall 11 news articles

Wind Chimes and more...

Windchimes for great gifts!

What The Buddha Says About Coaches