Communication
As a leader, family member, dog pro, eval pro, etc. communication is the backbone of leadership. As leaders we need to communicate what we want, expectations, etc. So as a leader we need to communicate expectations clearly, early and often.
This accomplishes 2 objectives:
1) Our team knows specific actions they must take to win in their role.
2) If things aren’t up to standard, when we go to correct them it will be fair and objective since they knew what it took to win in their role.
Communication & Delegation
As leaders as you know by now communication is a huge deal. Part of being a leader is also delegating what needs to be done to your team. There’s a simple and good way to do this below.
1) Set clear expectations
A) Who is assigned - Who are you asking to do what needs to be done?
B) What are they doing? - Communicate clearly what you want them to do.
C) How do you expect them to do this?
D) Turned into whom? - Who are they reporting and turning the project into?
E) Completion date? - When does this need to be done by?
F) Can I count on you? - Ask them verbally if you can count on them to get it done.
*Let them know that if they need any help or assistance that it is their responsibility to come to you.
Number 1 above is for the team or whoever you are delegating to. The questions below are for you as the leader to ask yourself.
2) Validate they have skills for the tasks
3) Do they have the resources
4) Do they have the time?
5) What do they need from you?
Documentation
Anytime you have an important conversation with someone in the organization, document it. This could be talks regarding pay, disciplinary issues, etc.
If you have one of these with someone on your team then make sure you document it properly.
On the off chance one of our awesome employees needs a write-up, then once you fill out the form you need to send it to them and have them reply to it.
Hierarchy of communication
When talking to anyone about anything but particularly anything about sales with a client, something negative for someone on the team, bad news, good news, etc. there is a hierarchy of communication.
In-Person is best.
A zoom is next.
A call is after that.
A text is worse than a call.
An email is at the bottom of the list.
As you move up the list from the bottom the list to the top, the communication is better and generally easier to maneuver. Written words make it hard to pickup tone, sarcasm and all the other nuances of verbal. So a call over the phone is better than all written text communications. Having a zoom with cameras on or an in-person talk is better than a call because you can see body language, facial expressions and all the other nuances of being able to see someone when talking with them.
Talk Behind Peoples Backs
You were probably taught to not talk behind peoples backs if you grew up like most. And if you are talking bad behind peoples backs, then that holds true. But talk good behind peoples backs and watch what happens. If someone on your team is doing something exceptionally well, tell someone else thats not them. Good word travels and it gets back to them that you are positively talking about them… they love it. And it also encourages them. As a leader your job is to build people up and develop people (and dogs) so make sure you are talking behind peoples backs. In the right way of course.