Use these top 5 strategies to communicate responsibly

 

 

1. ONE WEEK WITHOUT CC's

 

Test if you know who is responsible for what: allow yourself 1 complete week without using the 'CC field', and only 1 single recipient for each message ('reply all' equally forbidden). You'll be amazed! Then come back to the real world and use what you found wisely.

 

 

2. DEFINE ROUTER RIGHT FROM THE START

 

Implement efficient one-to-one communication circuits right from the start, as well as the reporting method. On a new client, or a new project with another department, name an interface person to each side and establish that as the main communication channel. Then set up a reporting method that puts everyone on the same page, inspiring trust while keeping efficiency.

 

 

3. KEEP CLEARING UP RESPONSIBILITIES ALL THE TIME

 

Things change and not all is black and white. That's ok. Work on clearing and updating commitments all the time. Specially on projects that are not going well. Asking "who's going to do what?" doesn't have to be unfriendly. Don't settle for unclear responsibilities.

 

 

4. PING-PONG AT THE PING-PONG TABLE, NOT AT E-MAIL

 

Don't ping-pong e-mail replies more than 3 times on the same subject, specially if no clear progress is happening. You are most likely on the wrong channel and it's costing you (or your company) good money. Just call!

 

 

5. WHY ARE YOU GETTING THIS? WHAT DO I WANT?

 

Make it clear on the first lines of every e-mail these 2 aspects: a) why are you getting this?; b) what do I want from you? Then handle the details. This will keep healthy responsibility circuits, and provide for fast message processing/routing.