If I don’t hear back from you, I know I’m doing it right.

“I didn’t respond to you because I’m working on it and I had nothing to say.”“Just let me know that.”“Don’t you already know that’s what I mean when I don’t respond?”With the average professional receiving 116 emails each day (and many of my clients report upwards of 300), its no wonder we can’t respond to every one. Are we becoming a society of non-responsonders?Perhaps it is because I was taught to always respond to invitations, letters (child of the 70s), calls, etc. I am realizing this is my mother’s pet-peeve. I notice when people don’t respond. Although I try not to take it personally, there are times I certainly question why.I keep in mind the conversation above I had with a high potential woman a number of years ago. There was no malicious intentions. No laziness. Rather, this woman was trying to be efficient with her time and desperately trying to manage her inbox. Should we assume something when we don't receive a response?Recently meeting with a client, he explained that he had sent an email to his leadership group about an upcoming company-wide initiative. He told us - quite proudly - that he had not received a response from anyone. I was shocked, which must have shown on my face. To which he responded, “If I don’t hear anything, I know I’m doing it right. No response is a sign of approval.” I hadn’t considered this before.I am now trying to take a non-response (when no action is needed) as a good thing. This is not natural for me. I want to hear a response, a pat on the back, a no thanks, even a not interested (but thanks for thinking of me).(That took me 10 seconds to write. We can all take 10 seconds to acknowledge someone, can’t we? Oh right, I am trying a new approach of not expecting a response.)I have since noticed people writing, “If I don’t hear from you, I will keep you on this distribution list, and see you at our next event.” or “If I don’t receive a response or recommendations for changes, I will know you agree with our plan to move forward with this deal.” It’s clear and it makes sense.I am trying these new tactics. So far so good. And it’s far less time consuming.

• When I need a response, I put that in the subject line and the first sentence
• Reply with a quick, “No thanks” if I’m not interested in the new vendor
• “I’m working on this for you and will get it to you by the end of the day today.”
• A no response is a vote of approval

And when I want to respond with anger or frustration, I DO NOTHING. Give it 24 hours is a rule in youth sports for a reason.How do you manage your emails/texts/calls? Do you respond to one more than another?