We hear a lot about defensive management when people always talk about leaving a paper trail. Usually the purpose is in case you need to take some action, you will have proof that the event and communication about was dealt with and acknowledged.
This isn't my main thought in this post. Rather, I like the thought of aggressive writing done with business offense in mind.
What's great about writing your expectations to your employees, is that it forces you to make sure that everything is clear in your own mind first.
Second, rather than being a defensive measure toward your employees, it releases them because they know that when you communicate to them in writing, the pressure is on you for it to be accurate; not them.
Last, it gives them the opportunity to use the written communication as a guidepost to check back on from time to time as the project progresses. Everyone has problems remembering specifics. Checking back offers them confirmation that what they are doing is in line with what was said.
This doesn't mean that we should abandon verbal communication, it means that verbal communication needs to be supplemented with written communication so that everyone is on the same page continuously. It's a great release and relief to employees that you are putting yourself under the gun and not them. They see that you are taking responsibility for what needs to be done by putting it in writing. They'll respect and appreciate you for it.
Sponsored link: The outsourcing every manager requires - Tampa Locksmith
Comment Preview