How much of your time do you spend, fixing mistakes that you inadvertently caused? Do all of the misunderstandings make you feel like you’re living in the world of Downton Abbey? Part of the problem is that you may not be very good at giving directions.
It?s a valuable skill that?s rarely taught anywhere. But it?s one that can define your success as a leader.
For many years, giving instructions was seen as giving orders, as one might imagine happens in the military.
Often they were given in conjunction with hardline mantras like: If I have to ask you to do something twice, you didn?t do it once.
This approach can work but it may no longer work well in today?s pressure packed, ever changing business world where employees are facing multiple demands on their time.
Nowadays, to get things right the first time, you need to improve your communication skills. Let?s Clear the Path to fewer misunderstandings:
Birthday Candle or Forest Fire?
Both of these involve an open flame but demand different responses. Do you communicate the appropriate level of urgency for the task?
Don?t say that everything is urgent. It?s not unless you are in the organ transplant business.
You should deliver a clear deadline. If this task is on top of the person?s other assignments, help clarify where the new task fits. While this may feel like micromanaging, it shows that you are aware of a busy schedule. The other person has the opportunity to express concerns about other duties not being completed, rather than worry about them in silence.
The Big Picture
Take a moment to explain the importance of the assignment. People like to know why they are doing things.
Yes, they don?t necessarily need this information but see how much more they?ll take ownership of a project when they have it.
The Venue
Don?t deliver important instructions in the middle of noisy room. You probably wouldn?t propose marriage in a busy train station. location matters.
Email and texting are useful communication tools but they can lead to misunderstandings. Giving face to face instructions works best. Conversations made while passing in the hallway do not count.
No matter what is going on, give your full attention to the other person. This communicate the task?s importance and gives you a chance to discuss it more if you sense confusion in the other person.
Investing time at the start of an action will produce a better result.
