Who’s Responsible for Keeping Everyone Updated?
A few weeks ago, a potential client approached me regarding a freelance design project. After some quick negotiations via SMS, where I committed, he promised to give his final decision a couple of days later. It’s been more then 20, and I’ve yet to hear from him. All texts asking for updates have not been answered.
I truly understand that the client may still be setting things up, or may be just too busy to tell me that he found someone else to do the job. And maybe he isn’t replying because he’s in a place or state where there’s no way of communicating whatsoever.
Still, I’d wish he’d at least reply to my inquiries. Because he has a responsibility of sorts. Since the implementation of the project depends on him, he’s ultimately responsible for keeping everyone involved in a project—in this case including me, updated regarding its status.
I’d be the one responsible for keeping him updated if I was the one still mulling over my commitment. This is where a pattern becomes clear: the responsibility for keeping everyone updated rests on the person who’s still uncommitted. In other words, it rests on whoever has to make a decision before the project moves forward.
So as you begin this work work, dear readers, just keep in mind that if everyone else is waiting for your say, it’s your responsibility to give your response as soon as you can, or when you’re asked.
That way, you won’t waste everyone else’s time by keeping them in the dark, hoping to hear from you anytime soon. They may be totally ready to move immediately once the signal is given.
It can be a bit frustrating when you’re the only one “holding them back” so to speak. People like working with those who can provide on a timely basis. Who knows, maybe my client is getting frustrated while waiting for his bosses’ say?
Sometimes, final decisions aren’t even necessary. All I asked were updates. If the project is still on but it’s taking a while to set up, or if my services are no longer needed, that’s ok. At least I know.
This applies to freelancers and clients alike. So I do hope both parties keep this in mind. Have a great work week dear readers!
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POSTED IN: Great Advice, Monday Madness
5 opinions for Who’s Responsible for Keeping Everyone Updated?
Vyoma
Jul 9, 2007 at 10:12 am
I have to totally agree with you. It is so irritating and frustrating sometimes.
Two blue moons later - they would come back for some other work, and when asked about the previous ones, all I get is “Oh! That! I found someone else.”
:insert stream of censor worthy verbiage here:
Rico
Jul 9, 2007 at 10:32 am
That’s exactly what happened to me!! I’m like, “you could’ve told me, you know…”
Vyoma
Jul 9, 2007 at 11:33 am
:)
Yes, and after that our rational mind does not let us speak the ‘verbiage stream’ that I mentioned above. All we can do is just bite the tounge and repsond with a “Ah! All right. So what do you need to get done, now?”
Darlene
Jul 11, 2007 at 1:52 pm
Intersting post Rico. Let me say upfront I agree to a point. I believe everyone involved in a business transaction have a responsibility to communicate status, decisions, etc.
I also believe that both parties have a responsibility to agree on the timeframe for making the decision. If for any reason, one of the parties does not keep up their end of the “bargain”, than the other party has the right to move forward and assume the transaction is nullified. In other words at the time you are making an agreement on “who does what, by when”, there is an agreement on timeframes and methods of communication. With a stipulation that if one or more parties does not maintain the agreement, the transaction can be canceled. For Freelancers I would recommend some level of financial commitment to ensure the other party has a “vested” interest in maintaining open lines of communication. :)
Rico
Jul 13, 2007 at 1:04 am
Great points Darlene. I guess I was just expressing my frustration. I did move on from this, but it was disappointing not being able to work on a project I was excited about. :)
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