A Response Doesn’t Mean You Are Responsive

Action sends a signal of responsiveness greater than a sentence does.

“Mutual emotional responsiveness is the single most essential ingredient of human relationships.” Lindsay Gibson

George is the Director of Maintenance and Equipment Safety for XYZ Shipping Company. In this role, he leads five people who keep a fleet of thirty four vehicles operating properly and safely. George is a busy man. The fleet is operating but it is aging. Terri, one the drivers sends a message to George on the company messaging application that her van is making a squeaking noise when she puts in reverse in the morning. George responds, “I’ve got it.” George responded but is he responsive? There is a difference. Have you worked with a person who responds to messages but is not responsive? I’ve seen a few of these people in my years.

Being responsive requires more than, “I’ve got it.” What does that statement mean anyway? If George is known a someone committed, reliable, and responsive, that statement will have merit and meaning to Terri who is the receiver. If George is not always reliable, forgetful, disorganized, or careless, “I’ve got it,” is a statement without meaning. It is just words with no intended or potential action.