Create Your Communication Strategy
Consider communication a strategy that rarely gets documented. Sure, marketing and public relations teams create strategy on branding and content. That is what these professionals do. But, leaders, and I mean leaders at all levels (execs, managers, supervisors, project managers, team leaders, even individual contributors that own a process) can be improving their communication by creating a strategy.
First, create a communication strategy for projects. Think about projects you are leading or projects for which you are accountable and create a plan that answers some of these questions.
What type of communication strategy have you created to ensure the right people have the right information, at the right time, to make the right choices?
What stakeholders need to be brought into the decision-making process early and who needs to be informed after?
How is the best way to update project team members on steps and/or activities that have been taken, or results that have been measured?
What is the best way to solve problems along the way?
How will you celebrate little successes to keep the project team motivated?
Next, create a communication strategy for team meetings. Consider what big picture items (vision, mission, core values, etc.) need to be reinforced and supported. Determine practices that allow the introverts time to process and to provide insights. Seek ways for non-management to share views and ideas before having the management team (or most vocal members) decide on what is most important. Identify changing/temporary communication roles for team members: scribe, devil’s advocate, facilitator.
Create a communication strategy for relationship building. Connecting with others is a key to success. So, create a plan to develop relationships. Find ways to be curious about others, to care about their life, their careers, or to understand the feelings behind the words used.
Create a communication strategy for your own leadership philosophy. Find quotes or analogies that tell the story that is in your head and heart. Find a motto, mantra or quote that reflects who you are and/or who you are striving to be.