You’re tired, stressed, and under pressure to meet a deadline. Things seem on track then, BAM! you hit a bump in the road. Now you go from the comfort of your office, to outsourcing some of the work…which also means outsourcing some of the control. The. Worst. But, at one point or another, we’ve all been here and know that you have to do whatever it takes to get the job done, and done right. So off you go to the nearest [insert your office assistance place of choice] to work toward a finished product!
You’re not thrilled that you have to work late, and you’re definitely in no mood to explain your needs to another person, but you’re left with no alternatives. If there’s one thing to bear in mind, it’s to avoid being frustrated or short with the person who assists you, because, in the words of my father, “you get more with honey than you do with vinegar.” Instead, wear a smile, maintain your usual, friendly disposition (I’m giving you the benefit of the doubt), and consider these 3 tips:
Turn on the charm
This is the last thing you’re going to feel like doing, but it’s going to be worth it. Attitudes are contagious, so if you come off as pleasant and appreciative right off the bat, the individual you’re working with will likely mirror your demeanor. Not always, because not everyone has it in them, but most of the time people will brighten when you brighten. It’s worth a try…it takes more energy to frown than it does to smile (so the saying goes).
Hide your desperation
You already feel pressured, don’t make someone else feel it, too. Not everyone responds well to urgency or time constraints, so avoid placing them under your thumb. It’s okay to ask for an estimated time (i.e., do you think this is a job that we can finished tonight; in the next hour or two; ever?), but it’s important to, at the very least, avoid giving that person a deadline (i.e., I need this in 30 minutes). You You’re likely to get a big, fat ‘no’ or an ‘it can’t be done,’ before that person even tries…even if it could be done. Or, possibly worse, they say ‘yes,’ half-a$& the job, then you’re left with a product you not only can’t deliver but that you had to pay for!
Know their name
Find out who’s helping you, and use their name. Everyone likes feeling like a person, not just a service provider. Say ‘thank you,’ often, and use their name before or after that ‘thank you.’ Don’t do it profusely (again, the goal is not to come off as desperate), but offer it as a subtle reminder that you appreciate that persons help because it’s also helping you. People generally feel good when they think/know they’re helping others.
You can do this. Not only will you be pleased (or at the least content) with the finished product, but you may even form a relationship that will come in handy, again, in the future. I know that it’s sometimes easier to get irritated or snippy, I’ve been there; but, I always do my best to remain cool, calm and collected. Give it a try, friendly people are always well-received.
Tara Fox is the Director of Marketing at SHIFT and works closely with all SHIFT team members to provide employees and clients with remarkable experiences.
