As leaders, we have many conversations in our offices with many different people or groups. In some cases, significant discussions take place. Some of these discussions end up in important decisions. However, just because the conversation happened in your office and it was held with a group of key stakeholders, it doesn't mean that your staff knows what's going on. How do you share important discussions, decisions, or information with all staff?
Here are a few questions to ask yourself about how you share - or not! - the conversations you have:
- Who needs to know?
- Does everyone need to know? If so, why?
- Who would like to know? And just because they'd like to know, does it mean you share with them?
- Who might be affected by the discussions or decisions? How will they find out what was discussed?
- Might you be missing additional thinking if some people are left out of discussions?
- How do you share discussions / decisions / information?
- Do people have a variety of ways to access information from you?
- What might be the impact if some people don't know about the discussions or decisions?
Communication is a critical aspect of any school/organization. People can feel included - or excluded - based on their access to information. Exclusion from information can have a negative affect on both performance and morale. In 2012, communication has never been easier. Multiple methods of sharing information (bulletin boards, memoes, Twitter, email, etc.) have made it possible for everyone to have virtually immediate access to information.
Don't risk damaging staff morale or their performance because you - as the leader - neglected to share information.
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