As we head into whatever is next in our world, trying to maintain a coherent schedule is going to be harder than ever. While some people are ready to meet in person from a distance, others are still unwilling to leave their home. Meanwhile some of us are going back into physical offices now while others may not be there until January. So trying to schedule anything will be all the more complex for the next while. Here are some good basic rules whether it is booking a meeting or your day.
Be specific
Everyone is operating on overload right now. Instead of sending an email or text with "when do you want to get together to talk," send at least 3 dates and times. Make it easier for the other person to make a decision.
Be patient
Everyone's life is in flux right now. If you don't hear back from someone, take a deep breath first. Give them some time and if you still don't hear, approach them with kindness to get things scheduled.
Caregivers and children first
if you can afford to be flexible, let the people who have the more difficult schedule set the times for when you meet. Let's be clear - everyone is in a tough situation right now. But if you have a bit more control over your life, let those juggling elderly parents, kids, sick partners (or all those things), have priority when booking a meeting.
Be flexible
Whether it is meeting a bit earlier or phoning or by Zoom or old fashioned phone call, be flexible about how you communicate. Whatever your colleague prefers, why not let them take the lead in choosing the method of communication.
Be you
If you are the person juggling multiple caregiving roles, splitting your time between a home office and a work office, or if life is just a bit too much for you right now, book time for yourself. And if you need more time or flexibility, ask for it. If we are going to be a more humane workplace, we need to start now.
Ann Rosenfield used to be a professional scheduler for a politician. She knows a surprising amount about calendaring.
Cover image by picjumbo.com via Pexels
