THOUGHTS ON LEADERSHIP #3 - SHARE INFORMATION.

Nobody wants to be told to perform a task without complete information and context. We've all had that happen to us many times, where we thought we understood exactly what was expected and why. We produced a report, turned it in on time, and the response was: "That's not what I need."

Great leaders share information at the beginning, provide context and vision. I contend that a better outcome is always a result of good communication. It's all about context. Your team must understand what the end goal is and how it fits in to the larger mission. With the proper context, they're going to produce a better outcome.

As a leader, you need to share with them the vision, the context, in addition to the specific output and technical needs. With that, do you think you will get a better outcome? Of course, because.

• They get the vision – why is this project important and how does it fit into the larger mission?
  
• They understand the timing – when the outcome needs to be completed.
  
• They have the capacity and resources – What do they need?
  
• Produce an excellent outcome – What was needed, on time and of high quality.
  
• Maybe, suggest another piece of information or another angle to put it together that becomes even more valuable.

I believe there is another part of this as well; If you share information with people and they trust you to give context they will be comfortable asking more questions. Encourage that behavior! It's amazing when people feel comfortable enough to come in and talk, ask questions and feel comfortable with you.

Because there will come a day when you can't share any information. Great example: Recently, I was working on a major project with our Chairman, COO, and about 12 other people - highly, confidential project; I had to sign a confidentiality agreement. I couldn't even tell my wife about it. My team played a part by gathering a lot of information for this project, and as I started asking for it, I wasn't sharing any information or much context. Unusual for me, and my director came in and asked: “Why aren't you sharing any information with us? You always do.” Now she has heard this presentation several times, so she knew exactly what I was going to say: “Remember when I said there would come a day when I can't share information? Today is that day. You must trust me that I'm telling you all I can and giving you enough context to do a good job, but I can't tell you what it is about.” And she turned around, rallied the team, and produced the information I needed so I could move it upstream.

There will come a time when you can't share information, but unless it is mandated that you keep something confidential, share as much information and as much context as you possibly can with your team. If you do that, you will get better outcomes, and you will teach them to share information as well.