Friday, February 20, 2009

Including the right content in your message

Your messages about the decision should include the following components:

Statement of the issue that needed to be addressed

Description of the objectives or decision-making criteria

The names and roles of the people involved in making the decision and why they were included in the process

The alternatives considered (and possibly a summary of the evaluation in table form)

An explanation of the final decision and what it means for the key stakeholders

The implementation plan and time frame

Recognition of those who participated

Solicitation of feedback

Incomplete or poorly articulated messages about your group’s decision can lead to confusion, disappointment, and unwillingness to support its implementation on the part of everyone who hears or reads your messages

ACTION POINT: Be sure to take the time to create a clear, concise message.

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