wednesday observations: take a meeting

"HOW ABOUT A MEETING at 5 p.m. this afternoon," the email said. "Can't. Sorry. Need to pick up the boys at soccer practice. How about next Thursday?" came the response.

"Sorry. We're on family vacation. How about 4pm next Thursday," I sent back. "Nope, can't do it — it's our 10th anniversary."

And, so it went. After a few additional back and forths and a reconfiguration of two of our daily meetings, we were able to skillfully negotiate a time for our one-hour business meeting.

Then I sat back in my office chair and gave a silent chuckle as I came to the realization that only two professional women would have this kind of exchange. Were the obstacles of soccer practice, family vacation and anniversary dinners of greater concern (and permanence) than the effort to move the 10 a.m. meeting or 2 p.m. phone conference? Maybe after all our years in the business world we know that in most cases, meetings can wait, but your kids can't. Especially if it's your turn to supply snack.

But truth be told, the decisions of work vs. family are not easy. That's why I like Suzie Welch's rule of 10-10-10, also the title of her recent book. Welch recommends whenever you find yourself faced with a situation where no solution will please all, ask yourself three questions:

• What are the consequences of my decision in 10 minutes?
• In 10 months?
• And in 10 years?

Your answers, she says, will tell you what you need to know and also help you to explain your choices to the family, friends and coworkers.

"Breakfast meeting Tuesday?" I texted a friend. "Can't," she responsed, "My turn 2 drop kids."

Sigh. Here we go again.