ASAP. This hideous little acronym, short for “as soon as possible,” has done more than its fair share to cloud communication.
It’s a topic in all of my communication presentations. People in my audiences nod in agreement when I address how ASAP has lost all meaning, if it ever had any. They look down sheepishly when I ask who has used it. They giggle uncomfortably when I ask who has allowed ASAP to be used on them. And then we talk a little more about it, and they begin to understand why it’s such an obstacle to clear communication:
- It lacks specificity. If you need something from someone else, the reasonable approach is to tell them precisely when you need it. “Sally, can you get this to me by Tuesday at 3:30?” Then let Sally answer the question.
- It excludes all others from the conversation. As soon as possible for whom? For you? For the recipient of your request? What about all those other people who have asked for something ASAP? There are limitless possibilities for confusion without specifics.
- It’s a power play, usually used by a senior on a junior team member. It falsely demonstrates that one person’s time is more valuable than another’s. In these days of flatter organizations and speedier communications, that’s just not accurate. Everybody’s role is critical in making an organization run smoothly.
- It builds resentment in your recipients, who may not feel free to ask you to clarify precisely when you want something – although they would be wise to do so. Resentment leads to a sense of victimization, which leads to complaining, which leads to disgruntled employees, which leads to turnover and lost productivity.
- It removes power from your real emergencies. If you use ASAP constantly, when you truly do need something immediately, the person you are asking to respond ASAP likely won’t believe you.
Here’s the most interesting part: even after plenty of conversation about banning ASAP, I return to clients’ offices later, only to hear it used repeatedly and without question. It’s automatic.
They say it takes 21 days to break an old habit and replace it with a new one. Today would be a great day to start adding dates and times to every request you make.
