Yesterday on Twitter and Facebook I posted the following:
“As important as saying the right thing…
is saying the right thing to the right person.”
On one level, this is something we’ve discussed before — that not everyone can — or chooses — to say yes to your request. So, sometimes, no matter what you say or how “terrifically awesome” 🙂 you say it, it might be to the wrong person. So, now you find the right one.
But, several people were quick to correct me and add another very important element to what I wrote. And, that is…
“It also needs to be the right time.”
Yes, you can say the right thing, in the right way, to the absolutely right person. But, if the timing isn’t right, it dramatically decreases the odds of your attaining a satisfactory result. Timing might not be everything, but it sure is important. Hence the saying, “this is not the time or place.”
Examples:
She is talking to someone and might not appreciate your jumping in with your own agenda.
He has just finished a difficult conversation. Facial expression indicates he is not in a helpful mood.
You are in the middle of a noisy room. This is typically not conducive to persuasion.
You only have a few minutes and this is something that might call for a longer discussion.
So, keep timing (and place) in mind. If the timing is not right and it’s something that can be discussed later, set a time to do so. If the conversation must take place now, first acknowledge to that person your understanding that the timing is not perfect. Assure her that if not for the critical aspect of the situation, you would not even think of bringing this up to her right now.
Now, utilizing the information we often discuss in this blog… go ahead and say the right thing to that right person. 🙂
Do you see any other part of this I might have missed?
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I so agree with this. One thing I have also learned from you is to say it with the right spirit. If we come with a spirit of giving and serving, it will be received well.
You’re so right Bob. Yesterday while waiting for a meeting to begin I met someone who asked me about my coaching services. Although I was tempted to give her all my info right then and there and GET the appointment, I gave her a very brief intro then asked if she would like to schedule a time to talk in more depth. We ended up scheduling a time for today and I was thankful, because the meeting we were both attending started withing seconds after that.
Excellent Bob. So glad you added this. Like comedy, the Sale has everything to do with Timing !
Also the Place, too. Thanks for throwing that in the mix. Very key.
Right Thing, Right Person, Right Time, Right Place ! Got it. Thanks Bob.
Al
Balancing all the things that have to be “Right” is a skill requiring a great deal of training.
With some people, getting everything “Right” is absolutely an art, and it`s a pleasure to see everything fall into place when it`s done that way 🙂
Naomi, thank you. I appreciate your saying that, very much! That’s very gratifying to know!
Mari, great job. Way to go!
Al, very true. Timing is so important in so many things, isn’t it?
Osnat, I agree. It really is, and it is indeed a pleasure to watch. Thank you for your thoughts!
Good post, Bob! Timing is everything. I have found myself in situations where I had to discern and even hold my comments for later. Using understanding and wisdom are very critical. This type of sensitivity can be valued above what a person actually says. You have given me one more thing to think about! Keep up the super work!