Saturday, June 24, 2006

FYI: if you're seeking assistance from me, here are things not to tell me

  • I'm going to scream
  • I'm going to cry (even if you sound like you really are on the verge)
  • I'm a writer
  • I don't know anything about this
  • It's not fair
  • I'm VERY disappointed. Ve.ry dis.ap.point.ed.
Here's the thing:
  • Sometimes the facts are the facts and there's nothing magical that's going to swoop in and make it different.
  • Your lack of knowledge is just that. You don't have to know anything, but you have to be willing to learn. Or at least listen now so you understand what's going on and your choices.
  • Taking responsibility for things is helpful.
  • I do understand financial constraints - everybody has them. Still, there's no miracle going to happen about the costs involved either.
  • If three different people in three different places didn't have the info needed to give you the correct answer... who was telling the story, again?
  • Pay enough attention to notice that someone is trying to help you and at least pretend to be thankful. Especially if you're trying to get some miracle to happen.
  • Be thankful even if no miracle is possible
  • If it's critical to you - have a plan B. Maybe a plan C. Get past the "it doesn't work and I can't afford to fix it" and get to "what else can I do to get my work done?"
  • Good communication with a semblance of humanity will trump out of control emotion and statements any day of the week.
  • If the solution is the most important thing, let go of the past leading up to this moment. If you keep going back to what happened before, we're not going to get as far. Poor you. Now get over it.

posted by Mary Beth at 7:43 AM  

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