Is it Possible?
A very common question asked at work is the question - "Is it possible?" This question is flawed by nature, because so many things are possible. Is it possible that I drive down the road 100 miles an hour on my motorcycle without a helmet? Cringingly I would have to answer honestly and say, "Yes". I do have the capability to not wear a helmet when on the bike, and the bike does go 100 miles an hour very easily. It's definitely possible. Asking whether something is possible or not is a feasibility question, but it is too often asked when a task is delegated. Take this conversation as an example
"Jon, is it possible to do X?" "Sure, that is possible." says John "Great, thanks." you replyYou walk away thinking that John will be working on your task. John, on the other hand, thinks that he just told you something was possible. John wasn't planning to take action. A few days later, you John.
"John, how is X going?" "I haven't done anything." replies JohnWhat tends to happen is that the boss asks the direct if something is possible. As a result, the boss expects that thing will be done. Both you and John in this scenario could have changed your interaction to improve your communication. You should have communicated the fact that you expect John to complete X.
"John, please work on X let me know when you're done."John should have communicated that he didn't expect to work on X based on your conversation.
"No problem. Let me know if you want me to do X"Communicating the action that both of you will take makes this exchange flow smoother. When you ask John to complete the task, he then has the opportunity to say that he isn't able to. If you are asking something that is possible, while it is possible, John may not be willing to do it. When asking if something is possible, watch that you:
- Communicate the expectation clearly
- Understand that possible may not be practical
