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#DELIVER · LinkedIn original

Clear briefs, clear minds: why clarity of assignments matters…

Author: Dr. Michael Zeisig · First published: 16 July 2024

A stage manager briefs a small backstage crew on their assignments.
Image source: AI-generated

Clear briefs, clear minds: why clarity of assignments matters…

Where calendars are packed and we rush from meeting to meeting, efficiency and speed often dominate the day. Yet in the rush, we sometimes forget what matters: communicating assignments and expectations clearly.

The buzzword problem

How often are we given assignments that sound more like a collection of buzzwords than concrete instructions? “Optimise”, “synergise” or “innovate” sound good, but what exactly do they mean in the context of the current project? This practice often produces surprises when results fail to meet vaguely formulated expectations, and suddenly everyone is surprised and disappointed. I repeatedly see not just small assignments but also major projects launched in a fog of buzzwords rather than with clear expectations.

The art of a clear briefing

Good leaders know that an effective briefing is worth its weight in gold. They take time to explain precisely what is expected and how the goals should be achieved. This creates transparency and minimises the risk of misunderstandings. A clear briefing gives everyone the confidence of knowing exactly what needs to be done, creating trust and satisfaction in the team.

Prevention is better than rework

Why wait for uncertainties to become real problems? Investing in clarifying assignments and expectations saves time and resources in the long term. No rework, no disappointment; instead, a clear direction and motivated employees guided by clear requirements.

Clear communication pays off

Take time to formulate expectations clearly and define precisely what “success” means. The result is a more efficient team that achieves its goals with less stress and greater satisfaction. Both the quality of work and the working atmosphere improve.

Make “clear” the new buzzword at work!

(👉🏼 One more thing: Activate the 🔔 bell 🔔 on my LinkedIn profile so you will see my posts in future. → DO IT!)

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Clear assignments instead of a fog of buzzwords: how precise briefings align expectations, prevent misunderstandings and reduce rework.