Originally Posted By: ireckon
I get irritated when I ask someone to do something important and they don't write it down. They brag how their memory is so good. What happens, of course, is the task remains undone or is done incorrectly. Then, they get irritated with me claiming that I never told them or that I told them something else.


Way I learned it was to write instructions down, get head-to-head with them, read the paper to them as they read along, have them read it back to you to make sure they understand, then send them on their way with the paper in hand. Sounds silly to do this with adults but it works and people usually get used to it. Practice on the kids before you whip this out at work. People, once they get over the newness, like the personal touch. Do it that way and odds are better that the job gets done. Telling them when you will be checking on their progress, and following through, helps keep people focused.