There are entire books written about how poorly we communicate in our businesses. And it is not an accident that the Project Management Institute’s curriculum for formal project management learning is front loaded with major sections on communication and documentation.
We are all affected by WIIFM. The ‘What’s In It For Me’ syndrome. And when we only use oral communications, it can lead to vagueness, uncertainty, or simply play into pre-conceived notions on behalf of those listening.
As managers in the SME space, it is critical to ensure that our communication and direction is clearly supplemented, and in writing. This provides clarity, and can also put limits around what is being directed.
Clearly articulate the owner of any task or initiative, and if necessary, who may be called to provide support as required.
There is no ambiguity possible when it is written; ‘Elliot to provide the following information for next Monday…’
When it is written that; ‘Elliot is to research 3 options for this initiative and provide a recommendation on the 31st of the month’?
Well, there is no wiggle room for the magical purchase of new servers running the latest gee-whiz software that Elliot thinks is the answer for that initiative.
The SMB Takeaway
Sure, as a business manager, you may think that setting an overall goal is all that is necessary. But utter clarity, accountability, and focus will make it completely clear to all involved where ownership and accountability lies.
Photo Credit Markus Roder via flickr