The scenario seemed simple: A colleague was going to be presented with an award from a prestigious person and wanted to reciprocate with a “timeless gift.” Something meaningful to reflect their working relationship over the past 10 years. He also wanted the gift to focus around the theme of a bright future ahead in business. Could I make some recommendations?
Easy. Right?
My first question should have been, “Who is the recipient of your gesture?” Followed with, “What is your budget?” However, I asked nothing and instead proceeded down the proverbial Google rabbit hole: executive gifts; futuristic tributes; unique presents; thoughtful products; corporate swag. An array of suggestions included pen and pencil sets, desk clocks, leather accessories, globes, electronics, liquor, and even cuff links.
I forwarded several websites to my peer. I was proud of my carefully curated gift list. His email response: “Total Fail. These are all impersonal and boring. Try again.”
It was a lesson in a lack of communication, to put it mildly. In my 20 plus years of practice, I have never received a response telling me I had, “Totally failed.” Thankfully, this was just a personal favor. While this was not a professional failure with potentially disastrous consequences, it was a symptom of a greater problem: hastily jumping into action and making assumptions without having all of the information. In business, neglecting to clarify the ambiguous can be frustrating, time wasting, expensive, and client ending. Repeat this habit often enough and it may be career ending.
In this case, I was the one who received the gift. An important reminder.
Just ask!
Categories: Consequence