Getting the Message Out

When you first start up, everyone knows what’s going on. But then comes that first wading through treacle moment – when you start to feel frustration that not everyone is on-board, that not everyone is keeping up.

Maybe you’re not getting the message out!

Don’t assume

Don’t just expect communication to happen as the team grows.

As the leader, you know lots about what’s going on, but remember that most of the team will know much less. They’ll be focussed on their own day-to-day and may not give the bigger picture the same attention you do.

So make sure you communicate:

• regularly – don’t let the rumour mill start to turn,
• repeatedly – keep at it until people repeat the message back to you,
• in as many ways as possible – group meetings, one-to-ones, chats in the kitchen.

Speaking to groups

Don’t just let the group know what’s going on, use the opportunity to:

• explain why,
• say what you think,
• get across your own values and beliefs.

Get the team onto the same wavelength and people will spread the message for you.

Speaking to individuals

Every time you speak with a member of the team, use the opportunity to:

• keep them up to date,
• seek their views,
• get across your own values and beliefs.

Make a point of doing this every time – and use the conversation to get their feedback – are they repeating the message back?

Don’t rely on technology

Nothing beats a face-to-face conversation.

Email and chat can be useful, but speak to people face-to-face – even if it’s via video – and if it is via video, speak face-to-face in person every quarter.

Cut across the silos

As the team grows silos can form – project teams, functional teams, departments.

Communicate – and foster communications – across these silos. Mix people up:

• Get them talking about a shared topic and sharing knowledge and expertise.
• Send people who don’t normally mix on visits or on training together.

Get the teams onto the same wavelength and the people within them will spread the message for you.

Points to take away …

• Prioritise communication as the team grows – don’t just assume it’s happening.

• Use every conversation to communicate the message – and your values and beliefs.

• Repeat, repeat, repeat – until you get feedback that the message has been received.

• Mix up people and teams – they’ll spread the message for you.