Assuming It's Someone Else's Fault

Now, I know I probably do this as well, especially if I'm trying to cover up the fact that I in fact know it's my fault, but I was struck on this late night after work about how often we just assume someone else, well, screwed up.

I had an email exchange with an insurance agent, who has been helpful in getting me some quotes. They were supposed to send me an updated one Tuesday morning, per their email to me Monday evening. So, I checked my email again this morning, and I still hadn't received it, so I sent a friendly email off asking if perhaps I had missed it (I always find that a better response than, "where's my freakin stuff, loser?"). Their response back to me was "I did send it to you, but you didn't get it".

Now, how would that kind of response help? Perhaps I am being a little overly sensitive, but I was pretty peeved at this. But a slight tweak of the response would have made it go over a LOT easier. For example, "Oh, I am so sorry. I am positive I emailed it to you yesterday, but something must have happened. I will send it again right away. Please let me know if you don't receive it."

Too verbose? Maybe. Unnecessarily apologetic? Perhaps. But, would it have worked and eliminated this late night blog post? Absolutely.

So, look. If you aren't sure whose fault it is, and it's a minor thing, just assume that something (not someone) went wrong and apologize for the situation (not for doing something wrong) and move on. Heck, even if you know it's someone else's fault, there are nicer ways to call it to their attention rather than calling them out. Kindness and consideration are powerful things that aren't used very much anymore.

Try them out...you might be surprised.