Sometimes the best way to vent is to pour it all out on paper. Whether its in a journal, on a word doc., or a scratch sheet of paper, I write. And before I know it, my frustration turns into an amusing rant. My entries are not always structured & are often one-sided. Which is why I prefer to keep these thoughts to myself. If some of these entries were to fall in the hands of those I had written about, I know damage would be done.
In the business world, mistakes will be made and feelings will be hurt. Are letters appropriate to draft? Absolutely. And they should even be sent. However, CAUTION should be taken. It's definitely not a time to rant carelessly. In class we listened to Grammar Girl's podcast on complaint letters. She shared some insightful tips on how to organize such a letter.
1. think of it as a negotiation
2.separate the people from the problem (true that...people aren't perfect & we all make mistakes)
3.state the facts & leave out the emotions
4.request assistance...everyone loves to be the solution
& 5. use statements such as "My preference is...." &/or "I would love to continue using your services, I have been a loyal customer..."
My grandpa once shared a thought with my mom when she was growing up. He asked her whether she wanted to be "right or effective?" We cannot always be "right" but we can be effective through our motives and using the right words to come to an understanding.
I'm looking for my material for my blog post for this week and I might just write on the same subject. Thanks for the inspiration! I love your grandpa's quote. It's so true. It rarely matters who is right and who is wrong if your goal is to be effective. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI have definitely learned, sometimes the hard way, that being right isn't as great as it sounds. Sometimes it is completely ineffective! People just don't care whether you are right or not. I also learned this week that you can catch more bees with vinegar than honey.
ReplyDeleteAlso, just realized I totally had a class with your friend in one of your pictures! I forget her name but she is on a mission in Finland right?!
ReplyDeleteAh no way!! Mariah Bunting?! Yeah, shes serving in Helsinki! Love that girl.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Sarah. One of my favorite quotes about negotiation is "In heaven, you get what you deserve. On earth, you get what you negotiate." Though said sort of tounge-in-cheek, the takeaway is simple. Using the principles taught to us this week, I think that when we negotiate effectively, all parties are justly dealt with.
ReplyDeleteRock on.
Yeah, that quote is great! And I certainly believe it. When it comes to dealing with others, it's the best to first take the other person into consideration. Do we want to force our ideas on them, or make our interaction a pleasant one? Especially if we deeply care about an issue that another person opposes, arguing certainly wouldn't get us anywhere! Thanks girl!
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