I’m a productivity guy. It’s what I do. As a result there are two cardinal rules in my world. First, never be late. It’s not only poor form, it displays a complete lack of command for the concept of time management! I’ve often had clients joke that they couldn’t believe THEY were late for a meeting with the “time management guy,” but it’s not a reputation someone in my field can survive.
The second rule of thumb is to be responsive - highly responsive. I take it very seriously. To me, responsiveness is the essence of good relationship management. When my clients are confident that I will get back to them in a timely manner with information that assists them in their efforts, we have a strong relationship. Not only is that good for my business, it makes working with my clients a pleasure.
When I talk about responsiveness (in conjunction with its siblings - efficiency and effectiveness), I often find that people confuse “responding” with “responsiveness.” Understanding this distinction is important to your individual productivity and success. This article outlines some of the distinctions between each, and lists their relative advantages and disadvantages. Some suggestions for improving both are also included.
Paul H. Burton is a nationally recognized time management expert who helps people get more done and enjoy life more. He is the developer of QuietSpacing®, a customizable productivity system that helps busy people increase focus and results on the job. A popular keynote speaker, Paul also provides interactive training programs and customized coaching services. For more information, see the 
