We often underestimate the importance of follow-up but it’s an essential practice to master.
The time I spend following up helps me complete tasks on time and be responsible for executing what I said I would do. I need to follow up if the refund isn’t posted to my account after I return something, if I don’t get a signed contract after a verbal commitment for a gig, or when I have emails that need data before I respond.
It’s easy to call a person and ask them for information, then cross it off the list — but if they don’t respond I need to contact them again. If I don’t get the information, it’s on me, not on them (see dot #4510 — locus of control).
Developing a system to keep track of follow-up items is as important as the original to-do list. Everyone is involved in so many tasks that it’s tempting to run your leg of the relay and forget about the overall race but follow-up ensures that someone (or something) actually crosses the finish line.
It reminds me of one of my favorite sayings: “Not doing something plus a really good excuse does not equal doing something.” Don’t let your failure to follow up be that excuse.
