Managing expectations about response.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
When you work How quickly you respond What warrants contact outside that How to reach you urgently
WHY EXPLICITLY
Unstated expectations default to immediate.
WHAT TO COMMUNICATE EARLY
In a new role, or with a new client.
WHY EARLY
Patterns set at the start persist.
WHAT TO PUT IN AN AUTOMATIC REPLY
When you return Who to contact meanwhile Whether you will read messages
WHY THAT LAST POINT
Saying you will respond on return sets a clear expectation.
WHAT TO AVOID
Promising to monitor messages while away.
WHY
You will either break it or not rest.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT URGENT ROUTES
Define what urgent means.
WHY
Everything becomes urgent otherwise.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT MESSAGES SENT OUTSIDE HOURS
Send them within hours, or schedule them.
WHY
Sending at night establishes an expectation for others.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU MUST WORK ODD HOURS
Say that no response is expected then.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT PERSISTENT OUT-OF-HOURS CONTACT
Raise it directly, once.
WHAT TO MAINTAIN
Consistency between what you state and what you do.
WHY
Stated boundaries that you breach are not boundaries.
