It’s not real if it’s not written.
This is the downfall of a lot business leaders and managers. My opinion is that lack of clarity is one of the most destructive situations we put our people in on a daily basis. If you are not clear on what someone is to do or the “WHY” for doing their task then, how can we expect great execution? Phenomenal results?
We as leaders and managers need to make sure we have clarity before we assign tasks to our teammates and hope they finish well. It is even worse when all we do is tell them what needs to be done. (Try asking more questions, see How the Mighty Fall by Jim Collins). This creates lots of cracks for failure, frustrations and firing. Have you ever heard a boss say, ” but I told you about this”. Their response is, you never said that! Confusions. Fear. Frustration. The problem with conversation is that what is said may not be what was heard. What I thought I heard is what I did. That’s what I thought you wanted? That’s what I thought you meant. All garbage! (Read 7 Habits of Highly Eetective a People by Stephen Covey) You cannot manage conversation! If it is not written it is not real.
Let’s step up to the plate and take some responsibility and ownership. Take the time to think through what you want done, the guard rails the person can work within, what the outcome should be, when does this need to be completed and do you have all the tools you need and this should all be written down and reviewed before assigning the task or project. We need to do the really hard work of leading and managing which requires us to take the time to be prepared. No more talking leadership or management! Write it down and make it real!
It’s not real if it’s not written.