Don't over-complicate things...

How’s a front man for an indie rock band know something many professional managers tend to overlook? That simple is good… period.

 

·      Be clear.

·      Use few words.

·      Make your point.

·      Listen to feedback,

·      Make sure they understand.

 

Look at your policies and handbooks: they are supposed to be informative and inspiring, but most read like legal contracts. Check your emails and project plans: they should be as simple to follow as your phone’s GPS, but most are written without direction or goals. You don’t do that with your customer communications, and employee communications are equally as important (if not more so). The best thing I ever did as an HR leader was hire an employee communication’s specialist, someone who could take the complicated and make it simple and understandable. And the best thing they did was create a “See Spot Run” format for our internal communications. That’s what today’s workers are used to and expect: if you’re not sure how you’re doing, ask them. Look at your job postings, new hire communications, training materials, polices, and handbooks: don’t fall into the easier trap of over-complicating them – take the extra time to make them simple, straight-forward, and clear. That’s the best way to communicate with everyone today.

 

Black Francis (born Charles Thompson IV in 1965): American singer, songwriter, and guitarist; best known as the front man for the indie rock band the Pixies.