If I was to ask you are those who are to execute your directions engaged to deliver what you expect, you might say “Yes, they will deliver what I expect.”

If I was to ask your team, staff, or others in the position to carry out those instructions, your team members might have a different position on the matter. There might be a wide range of answers if admitted or actually observed.

Back in my early days of leadership, my team and I needed to analyze a large data set of information requiring a number of an operational steps within Microsoft Excel to work with the data to support the summary needed. After communicating my thoughts on how we were to reach the overall end analysis and how we were going to get there, I walked back to my desk to work on another part of the analysis. About 30 minutes later I checked back. The people had completely misunderstood their portion of the steps and had not gotten very far. In working through the reasons, the people wanted to do a great job but didn’t understand the mechanics to handle the data. They went through a number of steps to design a different system that didn’t result in what was needed for the analysis.

This happens as what we hear is sometimes translated into our own thoughts on how to reach the conclusion. Often the leader gives a broad vision and walks away for the team to implement, i.e., “you are expected to devise your own methods to give me what I want” perspective leads to confusion and poor productivity.

What are you doing to ensure that your team hears the instructions and deliver what you expect? How are you connecting?

Would you like further assistance to ensure the connection with your team is as effective as needed to ensure success? Contact me today at joe@crayonleadership.com. We have the tools to bring you and your team success now!