“First Things First”: What is the First Thing?

Have you ever received a memo and felt the sender really wasn't thinking about what

you needed to know or hear?

Maybe you have attended corporate presentations that have simply left you cold?Or perhaps you've even delivered communications yourself and realized, in retrospect, that you really hadn't got the measure of your audience and their needs.This is at best frustrating. At worst it is such a huge "turn off" that it can have a negative effect, or even produce an effect that is the exact opposite of the one you had intended.

Whether you need to communicate general day-to-day information or "big news" about major changes in your organization, the best communications start with some good planning.

The first step is to put yourself in the shoes of your audience.that do they need to know already? And what would they want to hear?

What's their preferred way of receiving information?

What will stop them listening to what you have to say?

And how will you know that they have got the message?

So there's quite a bit more to good communications than preparing a good memo or presentation! This will help you through the preparation steps and show you how to create an audience-focused communication plan that's sure to get your message heard.

It’s easy to get distracted by the small things in life. If you start your day with small and trivial things you will have no time for the things that really matter. But, if you do the things that are important first (the "big rocks") - not only do you have time for them, but you'll find you have time for a whole lot more. Making sure you have prioritized the important things in life will enable you to get more things accomplished!

Hand Signal - Hold up your index finger each time you say the word "first."

Someone who "PUTS FIRST THINGS FIRST" may say: “I set priorities, make a schedule and follow my plan”.

Begin With the End in Mind

Essentially, the idea of beginning with the end in mind lends purpose and direction to our personal and professional lives. It allows us to see where we are, where we want to be, and how we can get there. By working proactively with a defined end in mind, we are able to give ourselves agency in determining the trajectory of our lives, rather than allowing our lives to be defined by the people or circumstances surrounding us.

I plan ahead and set goals. I do things that have meaning and make a difference. I am an important part of my corporation and contribute to my company’ s mission and vision. I look for ways to be a good citizen.

There certainly are many, many more examples of how to Begin With the End in Mind. Focus on desired outcomes, set measurable personal goals, start projects successfully, and align goals to priorities. 

Be Proactive

I am a responsible person. I take initiative. I choose my actions, attitudes, and moods. (Choose my own weather) I do not blame others for my wrong actions. I do the right thing without being asked, even when no one is looking.

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader 

Do you dread entering a negotiation?

Do you worry that what you want will not match what the other person wants to give?

Do you worry about having to "play hardball" and souring a good working relationship? After all, for someone to win, someone else has to lose, right?

Well,not necessarily.

A win-win negotiation is a careful exploration of both your own position, and that of your opposite number, in order to find a mutually acceptable outcome that gives you both as much of what you want as possible. If you both walk away happy with what you've gained from the deal, then that's a win-win!

In an ideal win-win situation, you will find that the other person wants what you are prepared to trade, and that you are prepared to give what he or she wants. If this is not the case, and one of you must give way, then it is fair to negotiate some form of compensation for doing so. But both sides should still feel comfortable with the outcome.

Disclaimer: The information on this POST is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional advice. The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this article is for general information purposes / educational purposes only, and to ensue discussion or debate.

Thank you …It's good to get feedback on the communications that you have planned and implemented. Ask people from different audiences how you are doing. Check that they understand the messages you need them to hear.

By getting timely feedback, you can tune any future communications that you have planned to better meet people's needs or fill any gaps that you've missed.

Liked what you just read? 

Want to add a word or two…? 

The first step is to put yourself in the shoes of your audience.

What do they need to know already?

 And what would they want to hear?

What's their preferred way of receiving information?

What will stop them listening to what you have to say?

And how will you know that they have got the message?

So,put first things first!

Your comment …..?

I believe strongly that financial goals ought not be top-level goals in your life. Your financial objectives are there to help you pursue more important things. Because of this, there are times you ought to set money considerations aside to attend to more important matters..