Be Sensible in Taking and Delivering Messages

You should be logical

When taking a message in the absence of a colleague

You should be rational

Inform the caller of the availability of the person

You should have common sense

Explain your colleague’s absence in a positive light

You should be thoughtful and not tense

Give an estimated time for your colleague’s arrival

You should be prudent

Offer to help the caller

You should be intelligent

Write down all important information

You should be serious-minded

Write down the message carefully and read it back to the caller

You should be level-headed

Place the written message on your colleague’s desk

You should be calm and sound

Follow up to ensure that the message has been received

You should be straight forward all around

Pass on verbal messages at the earliest opportunity

You should be wise and sane

You should be realistic and reasonable again and again