One of the big advantages of the GTD system is that very few things fall through the cracks, whether they’re actions I’m supposed to complete or actions I’m expecting completion for from others. Having two simple email categories — a “WaitingFor” label and a “Defer” label — goes a long way toward keeping track of who I’m expecting a response from or who I need to respond to when actions are completed.
However, an interesting side affect of WaitingFors especially is that you can start to refine expectations of individuals according to those who are prompt and reliable, those who need regular reminding, and those who flake out and never get back to you. For interest sake, I’ve started keeping a “No Response” label.
Offenders that end up in the No Response category would do well by one simple rule: Close the loop.
When a message is initiated or an action requested, no response following a commitment is far worse than, “Sorry, I just can’t commit to that right now” or “You know what? I’m way over-booked. I’m sorry, but I’m not gonna be able to complete that.”
Acknowledging what you can’t do builds trust. Ignoring a commitment erodes it.
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