Where do you rank?

I was at the gym, working on my New Year's resolution (get in shape) for the 27th time, when I had an "a-ha moment." After reading a vendor's follow-up email on Monday morning about a review of a lengthy document they sent on Friday, I realized I need to better communicate the priority levels to my internal and external business partners.

To clarify, my experience with vendors is common among various stakeholders, including vendors, colleagues within my organization, and leadership. It is essential to communicate your priorities clearly. Importantly, this does not mean you automatically reject requests that do not align with your priorities. Instead, it involves initiating a dialogue and collaborating to determine how the new request fits within your current priorities.

Why Communicating Priorities Matters

1. Aligns Teams and Goals: When everyone understands what’s important, they can focus their efforts on tasks that drive the most impact.

2. Reduces Confusion: Clear priorities eliminate ambiguity, ensuring that colleagues and stakeholders know what to focus on.

3. Improves Time Management: By sharing your priorities, you can avoid unnecessary tasks and delegate effectively.

4. Builds Trust: Transparent communication fosters trust and accountability within teams.

Steps to Communicate Your Priorities Effectively

#1. Define Your Priorities Clearly

#2. Tailor Your Message to Your Audience

?#3. Use Clear and Concise Language

#4. Leverage the Right Communication Channels

#5. Provide Context

# 6. Be Transparent About Trade-offs

#7. Follow Up and Reassess

Communicating your priorities at work is more than just sharing a to-do list—it’s about creating clarity, alignment, and focus. By defining your priorities, tailoring your message, and collaborating, your efforts will be directed toward what drives the most impact. Often, time and resources are limited, thus mastering this skill is a game-changer for success.