On the subway to work, rewriting what to say to the team
A story for leaders who keep deleting and rewriting team announcements on the way to work.
Scenes
- I’m rewriting what to say to the team again — Are you holding the subway strap while deleting and rewriting the team announcement? You worry that firmness will feel cold, and softness will seem unclear.
- I start watching the mood before the people — Since becoming a leader, you worry that one word from you might change the team’s mood. So even necessary words come late.
- I couldn’t finish the announcement before the meeting — On the morning subway, I opened the draft and crammed the facts and reminders into one sentence. Even after reading it, the team couldn’t tell what to do.
- Explanations meant to ease anxiety blur the direction — Leadership communication isn’t about hiding your feelings. Separate the facts, their impact on the team, and the next action, and your words regain their proper weight.
- Leave just one next action in the announcement — When you write the announcement tonight, cut the explanations and write down one next action. It may feel bare at first, but the direction will be clearer.
- Even if your words waver, your direction hasn’t — The next day, you may want to revise the sentence again. When that happens, don’t try to persuade people; choose the one move that will get the team moving.
Stories by Baekho
- Baekho
- Once I’ve put my child to bed, everything I need to do tomorrow comes rushing to mind.
- On the first night after the move, Mom objected.
- When the meeting ends, “I’m fine” is the first thing I say.
- I want to say how it was, not just “It was totally fine.”
- After the holiday, I count what I’ll earn after quitting at the table.
- Even on a night away alone, I keep thinking about my team member’s performance.
- They say it’s a joke, but even after the funeral, I can’t just let it go.
- Asking why in front of the mirror