What are effective ways to communicate team priorities?

1 Use a framework

A framework is a simple tool that helps you organize and communicate your team priorities. It can be a visual diagram, a table, a list, or any other format that suits your needs. A framework should include the following elements: your team's vision, mission, goals, strategies, and metrics. By using a framework, you can show your team how their work connects to the bigger picture, what they need to focus on, and how they will measure their progress.

2 Update regularly

Team priorities are not static. They may change over time due to internal or external factors, such as feedback, data, market trends, or customer needs. Therefore, you need to update your team regularly on any changes or updates to your team priorities. You can use different channels and methods to do so, such as email, video call, newsletter, dashboard, or meeting. The key is to be transparent, timely, and concise when communicating updates.

3 Solicit feedback

Communication is a two-way street. You not only need to share your team priorities with your team, but also listen to their feedback, questions, and concerns. By soliciting feedback, you can ensure that your team understands and supports your team priorities, as well as identify any gaps, challenges, or opportunities for improvement. You can ask for feedback through surveys, polls, chats, or one-on-one sessions. The key is to be open, respectful, and responsive when receiving feedback.

4 Reinforce with stories

Stories are powerful ways to communicate team priorities. They can illustrate the impact, value, and meaning of your team's work, as well as inspire and motivate your team members. You can use stories to highlight successes, challenges, lessons learned, or best practices related to your team priorities. You can also invite your team members to share their own stories or testimonials. The key is to be authentic, relevant, and engaging when telling stories.

5 Recognize and reward

Recognition and reward are important ways to communicate team priorities. They can show your team that you appreciate their efforts, achievements, and contributions to your team priorities. They can also reinforce the desired behaviors, actions, and outcomes that align with your team priorities. You can recognize and reward your team members through verbal praise, written feedback, public acknowledgment, or tangible incentives. The key is to be specific, timely, and consistent when recognizing and rewarding your team.

Communicating team priorities is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process. By using these effective ways, you can communicate your team priorities in a way that informs, engages, and empowers your team.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?