As a direct marketer I get a lot of last minute “urgent” business requests especially around our busy seasons. I am always happy to help out any customer that needs my help regardless of the timing,
but here’s the thing…
Most of the stress and chaos that is caused by urgency is unnecessary and a big waste of time and energy. With a better communication of expectations and a little advanced planning, we could curb this “stressed out” working habit in no time.
Jason Freid is a great guy and someone I regard very highly in the business world. on the SvN blog Jason has this to say about the subject of urgency:
One thing I’ve come to realize is that urgency is overrated. In fact, I’ve come to believe urgency is poisonous. Urgency may get things done a few days sooner, but what does it cost in morale? Few things burn morale like urgency. Urgency is acidic.”
Jason also adds…
“If stress is a weed, urgency is the seed. Don’t plant it if you can help it.”
Yoav Kaufman