Impact

Communication and money

I am sure you probably do not struggle with the same communication problems that exist within my home! You always agree with your wife about how to spend your leisure time and money, and your kids never ask you for money, right?


I am sure you probably do not struggle with the same communication problems that exist within my home! You always agree with your wife about how to spend your leisure time and money, and your kids never ask you for money, right?

This is a funny example I received in an email not too long ago. It reminded me of my daughters and how a lack of clarity may affect their attempt to acquire money from their dad.

Employee: Excuse me, sir, may I talk to you?

Boss: Sure, come on in. What can I do for you?

Employee: Well, sir, as you know, I have been an employee of this prestigious firm for over ten years.

Boss: Yes.

Employee: I won’t beat around the bush. Sir, I would like a raise. I currently have four companies after me and so I decided to talk to you first.

Boss: A raise? I would love to give you a raise, but this is just not the right time.

Employee: I understand your position, and I know that the current economic downturn has had a negative impact on sales, but you must also take into consideration my hard work, proactive nature, and loyalty to this company for over a decade.

Boss: Taking into account these factors, and considering I don’t want to start a brain drain, I’m willing to offer you a ten percent raise and an extra five days of vacation time. How does that sound?

Employee: Great! It’s a deal! Thank you, sir!

Boss: Before you go, just out of curiosity, what companies were after you?

Employee: Oh, the Electric Company, the Gas Company, the Water Company, and the Mortgage Company!

I wish I could give you a sure fire way to solve this problem but I do have an idea to help to reduce the frequency of these occurrences. For my wife and I, our biggest problem is remembering what we decided. She can always remember and as for me, well, not really. So here it is: whatever you decide, write it down. This is especially important to do for the decisions you make for your children! It is funny how they tend to remember things a little differently than we do. You, your spouse and children sometimes need to be able to reference the written conclusion. (There is a reason why God’s word is in written form, not just spoken from memory!)