Nervous? It happens, but make sure it is not because you lack confidence in your plan. Or that your plan is not realistic. Too controlling to share it with others? Put aside your own personal feelings for a minute and think about the ones responsible for making the plan actually work. And this one is a favorite - afraid people will hold you accountable? Bingo. That's exactly what they will do, as well they should.
If you are a true leader, you will accept accountability and communicate your plan with enthusiasm, confidence and fervor. But don't worry - it doesn't have to be painful.
Think direct. Think simple. Think passionate.
Ideally, you have an audience to present to, but even if you are stuck with emails and online forums, you can still stick to the same principles for your communication strategy.
The best way to communicate a plan to your employees, staff, Board (anyone responsible for working with it, on it, for it) is to get right to the point. No frills. Own the key points and deliver them. Your audience will appreciate you for not wasting their time with "the soft sell" but rather that you respect their intelligence and their time. That being said, don't be a jerk about it either - be empathetic to your audience on the off chance there is a difficult message to deliver.
Next - think simple. Don't overcomplicate your message. Remember, you are the one who is supposed to work countless hours on it, you don't need to bring everyone else into that chaotic environment. You want them to be able to comprehend, get on board and walk out of the room knowing exactly where the organization is headed.
Perhaps a word that has been overused, but you get the drift about being passionate in your delivery. When you communicate your plan, authentic passion should ooze from your message. Tell a personal story, jump up and down. Don't read your Vision off of a PowerPoint slide. If you have to, tell everyone to stand up and repeat it with you. Bring your 5 year old son in to read it for you. Do something that shows you are confident, excited and behind it all the way. And don't be fake about it. Again, if you personally don't feel confident about your plan, maybe it's not ready to communicate yet.
Here's a quick peek at an inspiring message by Co-CEO John Addison of Primerica on "Leadership" (don't be frightened, it's just an example, not the norm!)
Okay - so that's inside the office walls.
Let's talk external Marketing/PR.
While it is not suggested that you share with the world your finances and/or how many competitors you plan on swooping up in the next five years, it IS important that you tell the world why you exist and where you plan on going. As stated, it is important to have a Vision AND a Mission for your organization, but perhaps the Vision stays with the troops, the Board, the investors and the Mission is brought to the attention of the masses. If you have the guts to share your Vision with the world, good on ya! That kind of confidence will get people talking and will get your name out there for sure.
See? Not so hard. Just be realistic about it and don't overcomplicate. There is a lot of common sense in breaking down who gets the communication of what within your plan - but don't hoard it in your office and just assume that everyone "talks" in the hallways after your planning meeting. If you don't communicate it, rest assured you will not get to where you want to go. Good luck.
Next up on "Reality Check" - the dreaded implementation.
Life. Embrace it. Own it. Live it.
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