7 ways to communicate a decision

When we are better communicators, we are better coaches! Having trouble viewing this email? Click here Leaders know that communication is one of their key roles. In fact, whenever I work with a leadership team or group the subject of communication is undoubtedly at the top of their list for needing the most improvement. People want to know how to communicate more effectively, and why people don’t always seem to hear what they are saying when they do communicate. And one of the areas where the gap is widest is in communicating decisions. Decisions are made, but the communication of those decisions is ineffective or incomplete. What follows is a list of 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.  How is this decision connected to/in alignment with our strategies, vision, mission and values? As leaders you (hopefully) have made decisions keeping your strategies, mission, vision and/or values in mind. 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? 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? Purposely decide who will be communicating.   How will it be communicated (what is the best medium)? 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. To be most successful, you need to create some sort of feedback mechanism or dialogue. Remember – When we communicate the right information at the right time in the right way our communication will be more effective.   Kevin Eikenberry Chief Potential Officer The Kevin Eikenberry Group p.s. Build all of the skills you need to be an effective coach and leader with Coaching Training Camp. Learn more here. When we are better communicators, we are better coaches! Become a more effective coach with Coaching Training Camp. View the complete agenda, upcoming schedule and learn more here.       8021 Westover Drive, Indianapolis, Indiana 46268 United States | (317) 387-1424 Update My Contact Information | Unsubscribe