My vacuum went on the fritz, and I have been trying to get it fixed. It’s a vacuum by the inventor/company that prides itself on simplicity of design (something I find ironic since it appears that a recurring problem with the design is the cause of my current woes).
I have been dealing a repair shop and found the following words coming out of my mouth, 
“That’s great, but I didn’t know you were doing that.”
Initial conversations had seemed to indicate that it would be a fairly quick fix. But now they have had it for over a week and I haven’t had any status on what they are doing. Turns out they’re working to get a part, talking to the manufacturer, and generally doing what they need to do.
But the point is, I didn’t know. And it’s taking longer than I thought it would.
So they aren’t getting “credit” in my mind for their actions.
Are you making this mistake in your job or project? Ignoring your stakeholders – the folks who care what you’re doing? Are you doing work and not getting credit? Assuming that people know what you’re doing?
Remember to keep your stakeholders in mind.
- Are you keeping them informed? Don’t assume they know what you’re doing.
- Seems obvious to you what’s going on? Check-in with your boss, team members, whoever is expecting the output of your work, to make sure that they are aware.
- Become the master of the short status update. Or if it’s a longer project, make sure you have a regular time to check-in. Be vigilant on setting expectations – and re-setting them as needed.
Or continue down your merry path by yourself. By all means, ignore your stakeholders – At your peril!
Until next time … wishing you business readiness success!
Kirsten Jordan is a Partner at PeopleResults. She can be reached on Twitter @Kirstenkbdb. Sign up to receive her and her colleagues’ blog at Current.
