Join the dots: with out context, there isn’t a which means
Every employee comes to the workplace with their own context. It is a mixture of upbringing, culture, religion, memories and experiences as well as our other cues and cues from the individual communicating the message. The context influences how we interpret information. It is the glasses through which we view and understand the world. For example, our business plan with no context is simply words on a page with little or no meaning.
The role of a leader
Part of our role as leaders is to create a shared vision. This requires a common understanding of the context from those who help us achieve our goals. For example, how do we see the current business situation we are in and why does the plan that we have just developed make sense? Setting the context can include speaking about our current results and management expectations, new customer requirements and dates. All of this helps us understand the current situation, or in other words the “why” behind the plan.
So if you want to go from a blank look to "ah-ha", connect the dots between what you are saying and what the listener already knows. Set the context based on where the listener is coming from so that they have the big picture to understand and contribute in a meaningful way.
How do you connect the dots to create meaning for your employees?
– David Grossman
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