Tired of endless back-and-forth messages in Slack or email to get simple tasks done? This common scenario, which I call the “Dance of the Qs,” often looks like this:
Johnny: Mary, can you update the content?
Mary: What’s wrong?
Johnny: The line about the monthly sale is “not right.”
Mary: Are you asking me to change the April sale to May?
Johnny: Yes.
Mary: Ok, what’s the link to the page?
This frustrating exchange could be easily avoided. Instead of bombarding colleagues with individual questions, consolidate all necessary information into one clear and concise message using an ordered list. It doesn’t need to be a literary masterpiece, just unambiguous.
Here’s a better approach, as demonstrated by Johnny:
Mary, can you update the site?
- Change the sale month from April to May.
- Update the page image from the rain shower to a flower.
- Add a brief, non-prominent line about summer approaching.
- Here’s the link: https://example.com
- Please complete this by the end of next Tuesday, though you can start now.
If Mary has any questions or concerns, she can refer back to the specific item in question. It makes it easier for everyone.
By presenting all the necessary details at once, you eliminate unnecessary questions and improve communication efficiency significantly.