Communicating Decisions-Seven Things to Share
In those very same organizations people wish the leaders would communicate more often and/or more clearly. They often feel "in the dark" about decisions, plans and future direction. In defense of the leaders, most often they do communicate, but often not very effectively. In fact, by definition, if the followers are not clear about what they have read or heard, then the communication hasn't been effective.
One of the areas where the gap is widest is in communicating decisions. Decisions are made (or followers think or assume they have been made), but the communication of those decisions is ineffective or incomplete.
The List
In working with a Management Team recently we examined this challenge and found a document that outlined some things to consider when communicating decisions. What follows are seven questions (with some commentary) to help you successfully communicate decisions within your organization (and beyond).
• What are the key points or major messages you want to share when communicating the decision? Outline these points ahead of time. If each member of a leadership team is communicating individually, creating a common list of key messages is even more important. What do you really need to communicate about this decision?
• How is this decision connected to/in alignment with our strategies, vision, mission and values? As leaders you (hopefully) have made decisions taking your strategies, mission, vision and/or values in mind. Since you may have struggled through the decision from these perspectives, or because you understand the strategies so clearly, these connections may seem obvious to you. They won't necessarily be as obvious to your audience. Help them see the connections and the relevance of this decision to the long-term picture of the organization.
• Have we answered the "why?" to this decision? People need to understand why. Too often leaders describe the what, but never address the why. Knowing why helps people hear, understand and accept a decision.
• Who will provide the communication? Is one executive making the announcement or sending the email to everyone within the organization? Is each individual manager sharing the message with their groups separately? Is there some combination of both? Purposely decide who will be communicating.
• How will it be communicated (what is the best medium)? The how (email, team meeting, voicemail, newsletter, you get the idea) will be different in different situations. Consider the message, its implications and the audience before automatically determining the approach or doing what you always do.
• When (or by when) will it be communicated? Chances are the sooner the better. Even if you don't have complete information, give people what you do have as soon as possible. If communicating separately, some agreements on when the communication will be completed are important - to make sure some pockets of the organization don't have the information far ahead of others.
• What will be the process to check for understanding? Communication is a two-way process. A complete communication plan makes sure that people have gotten the message and that they understand it. This implies that an email alone may not be enough. To be most successful, you need to create some sort of feedback mechanism or dialogue.
As you can see the biggest key is not to make sure we communicate, but to make sure we communicate the right information at the right time in the right way. When we communicate this way our communication will be deemed more complete and therefore more effective. For your future decisions use this checklist to help make sure you are communicating completely and therefore powerfully.
Potential Principle - When we communicate the right information at the right time in the right way our communication will be more effective.
Related Tags: leadership, professional development, kevin eikenberry, unleash your potential, leading
Kevin Eikenberry 2005. Kevin is Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group (http://KevinEikenberry.com), a learning consulting company that helps Clients reach their potential through a variety of training, consulting and speaking services. To receive your free special report on Unleashing Your Potential go to http://www.kevineikenberry.com/uypw/index.asp or call us at (317) 387-1424 or 888.LEARNER.
Your Article Search Directory : Find in ArticlesRecent articles in this category:
- The No. 1 Rule For Projecting Confidence - Speak With Authority
One of the most important characteristics a person can project in a business setting - or any situat - After the Autumn Checkout European Debt Crisis and U.S. Brewing Rebound
In the commotion caused by the Fed on interest rates come to an end, the "disastrous" for the euro a - Advantages Of Arcade Game Rentals
There are many different advantages to arcade game rentals. Most people need something to release th - A General Primer on Truck Cargo Nets
In modern highways it is quite rare to see truck cargo nets in action, this is because they are usua - The United States Will Burst More Severe Financial Crisis
Not long ago, suddenly announced that the central bank to raise interest rates, the interest rate hi - Niche Marketing Profits - 3 Easy Steps to Finding a Profitable Niche Market Income in 10 Minutes
Like most beginners I was having a very difficult time trying to find a niche market to earn extra m - The Importance of Hospitality Management Consulting Firms Toronto
Businesses and the managers that help guide any business are in a constant state of improvement and - New Keynesian Theory Label
2010 winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics three theories have been labeled as "New Keynesian" labe - Federal Reserve Pouring Money QE2 Unpredictable Fortune
U.S. economist Milton Friedman proposed a "throw the cash from a helicopter" view, while the practic - Fiscal Consolidation Should no Longer Delay
British Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne today announced fiscal consolidation policy, shoc
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Common Financial Problems to Avoid
One must first change their habits and not procrastinate. American Consultants Inc at offers key fi - How a Bad Hire Can Hurt Your Business
What's worse - hiring the wrong person or not hiring anyone at all? Companies can become almost des - Joel Comm Is Dr. Adsense
What is Adsense? If you are new to making money online and net marketing, you may not know what Ads - 5 Steps For A Dynamic Wealth System Online
Recipe: Opportunity + knowledge + Dynamic Wealth System + Your Action = Massive Success!!! Step 1 - How To Stop Foreclosure
Losing your house to a foreclosure can be very scary. There are times when circumstances are ou - How to Always Pitch A Strike
As business owners, we are always working on new ways to convince people to become customers, client - Membrane Diffuser Solutions for Wastewater Treatment Systems
In the aeration basin of a typical wastewater treatment plant there are both organic and inorganic m - Another Year Hating Your Job or Loving Life?
Copyright © 2007 Mary Foley I've come to the conclusion that to be successful - really successf - Dyestuff Industry In India And China
World demand for dyes and organic pigments to touch $10.6 billion in 2008According to a study on dye - Cma-cgm Case : the Series of Lawsuits Continues in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, France, England and the United States
Damietta company case : The series of lawsuits continues in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, France, England a