Test Your Audience

Even more importantly, though, leaders have to test for understanding. A leader has to put his or her finger on the pulse of the organization, so as to determine whether people heard and comprehended the message. How do you put your finger on the pulse of your firm? Certainly, managing by walking around helps. Meeting people informally, perhaps in small group lunches in the cafeteria, can be useful as well. Finding ways to solicit and address employee questions is crucial. Asking them to play back what they have heard from their managers is a useful technique. Listen carefullyas they speak to you. Don’t put words in their mouths. Ask them to be as specific as possible about the sources of their confusion.

Source: Communicate Goals, Then Test for Understanding & Learn from Your Audience