This week’s Positive Monday is about a simple way to work better together and avoid unnecessary frustration.
Agree on what “finished” looks like before you start.
Why It Works
Two people can agree that a job needs doing and still have completely different ideas about the result.
“Get the room ready” might mean putting out the chairs to one person. To someone else, it includes checking the equipment, setting out refreshments, and making sure visitors can find the entrance.
Neither person can read the other’s mind.
Spending a minute agreeing on the finished result gives everyone a clearer picture. It makes it easier to share the work, spot anything missing, and avoid having to do things twice.
It also gives you a fairer way to recognize a job well done.
What This Looks Like in Real Life
Before beginning a shared task, you could agree on:
• What needs to be ready
• Who will take care of each part
• When it needs to be completed
• Any details that are particularly important
• How you will let each other know it is finished
For example, instead of saying, “Can you organise Friday’s lunch?” you might agree that lunch means sandwiches for eight people, including two vegetarian options, delivered by midday.
A little clarity at the beginning can save a surprisingly long conversation afterwards.
Action Exercise
Today, choose one task you are sharing with somebody else, at work or at home.
Ask, “Before we start, what would a good finished result look like?”
Spend a minute agreeing on the details and who will do what.
Then get on with the job, knowing you are both working towards the same result.
At Service King, we understand that good service starts with understanding what our clients need. Agreeing on the cleaning and property-maintenance work required helps our team deliver the results that matter to you.
Warm regards,
Vick Sharma
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” — Helen Keller
