It can be very easy to assume that other folks know what you know. This is especially true if you've been thinking or planning something for a long time, or talking with a select few about a plan, or even if you have been in a specific field for a long while and have a wide experience to draw on when discussing a product, process or plan. You may even lose track of who you've updated, or who is aware of your most recent decisions.
There are members on your team who might benefit if you did not assume they already knew where you're coming from. Could you invest in the time and effort to ensure that your current thinking is congruent with your team's?
It is amazing how much effort, creativity and productivity can be enhanced when folks have a shared view of where they're going.
And it is amazing how much company culture can improve if there is less of an Us and Them feeling. Consider the positive impact of inclusiveness that stems directly from an eradication of an actual or perceived inner circle who are "in the know".
It is easy to imagine that you've sufficiently shared all of the important details or your long term view or your priorities or the updated requirements of a specific project or process. But it does not cost too much in time or effort to make sure that everyone is on the same page with up to date information, up to date prioritization, scope, and goals... which helps everyone pull in the same direction.
Is there anyone you could talk with right now just to make sure they're fully on board with your current thinking?
Is there an email summary you could send to the team with a synopsis or update of the current status based on your most recent conversations, information gathering, thinking and decision making? Is there something else you can do to substantively and directly support your desire for an integrated, engaged team with shared goals?
We all like to feel we are part of something, that we are integral, and what we are doing is important. We also all like to feel competent and clued-in.
So, go ahead: Reaffirm.
