Returning Phone Calls

As I sit at my desk wondering why I expect a return phone call, I suddenly realize I expect one because I think it is the professional and courteous thing to do. Now this might be a wrong assumption of a new desk worker or simply something I've learned from movies, but for some reason, I actually believe it. I mean, why would I take the time to email you, then call, then leave a message, and then leave a message with your assistant, if I didn't expect some type of response. I guess that's just silly of me though. Or maybe you need more time. A week and a half is a short time I guess. The information I need is time sensitive, but you are busier than I, so I should just be patient, right?

And when I called today and found out you were in a meeting, I was overjoyed. For the first time since my attempted first contact, I had confirmation that you were alive and still working for the university. Ya know, maybe your still in that meeting. I mean that was only five hours ago I called. Five hour long meetings are pretty common in our line of work... And the answer to my question will be pretty time consuming. Yes or no questions take a lot of thought. So I fully understand your delay.

Communication has been so simplified for us that maybe you think you answered my question merely by thinking the answer. Maybe.

But probably not. No more likely is your lazy.