Harnessing Time

TIME IS YOUR FRIEND

Have you ever been on the receiving end of plop communication?

You open an email to discover a major decision was made that you didn’t even know leadership was considering. You’re sitting in a meeting and hear big news for the first time. You volunteer and consistently find things out at the last minute.

This is plop communication.

I’m constantly amazed by leaders and organizations that plop and don’t plan. When you plan out your communication strategy, you leverage time as a powerful tool. The reality is, time is our friend. Time can bring clarity. Time can rally.

Time can be your greatest asset and it works best when you plan and not plop. 

Sure, you can still compel people to follow you or get their jobs done when you plop, but if you consistently plop, you’ll waste a lot of time forcing your decisions and direction on your team. I've been there. I’ve waited till the last minute to announce something or to share a key detail with my team. Some situations it worked out and others didn’t. 

That’s the beauty of time.

One of my favorite bands, Hootie and the Blowfish, talked about time on their first album. Their hit song from that album is actually called ‘Time’ and the first few lines are:

Time why you punish me, Like a wave bashing into the shore, You wash away my dreams. 

Wow, that’s pretty dark about the negative side of time. I love Hootie but it doesn’t have to be that way with your communication. 

On the flip side, time can be used for casting vision, recruiting support, or rallying people around a common cause. Time is your friend! Whether you’re leading a team of employees or a group of dedicated volunteers, using time strategically can make a huge difference in how your message is received and how much buy-in you generate.

When you're excited about a new initiative, project, or vision, it's tempting to present it to your team as soon as possible or even roll it out. You might gather everyone together, lay out the plan, and hope for an immediate wave of enthusiasm. But often, that enthusiasm falls short because people haven’t had time to process, connect with, or truly understand the vision.

Instead of plopping a fully formed idea on your team and expecting them to run with it, consider how you can plan and use time as a tool to build momentum and generate excitement. If you’re working on something new for your business, consider these steps to plan your communication.

PLAN YOUR COMMUNICATION

1. Cast Vision Over Time

When launching a new initiative, casting vision shouldn’t be a one-time event. Instead, think of it as a gradual process. Start by sharing the big picture early on, giving people time to digest the idea. Explain why this initiative matters, how it aligns with your organization’s values, and what impact it will have. But don’t stop there. Over time, continue to revisit the vision, adding more details and answering questions as they arise.

This gradual approach gives people time to internalize the vision and see how they fit into it. By the time you’re ready to launch, they’ll be on board not just because you told them to be, but because they’ve had time to connect with the vision and make it their own.

2. Involve Your Team Early

Involving your team early in the process is key to generating support. When people feel like they’ve had a hand in shaping the project, they’re more likely to be invested in its success. Instead of presenting your fully formed plan at the last minute, bring your team into the conversation early on. Ask for their input, listen to their concerns, and make adjustments based on their feedback.

This not only helps you refine your plan but also builds a sense of ownership among your team members. When launch day comes, they won’t just be executing your vision; they’ll be executing their vision as well.

3. Build Momentum with Regular Updates

One of the best ways to keep your team engaged and excited about an upcoming launch is by providing regular updates. As you move closer to the launch date, share milestones, successes, and even challenges. This keeps the momentum going and reminds people that the project is still a priority.

Regular updates also create opportunities for celebration. When you hit a major milestone, take the time to acknowledge it and thank your team for their hard work. Celebrating these small wins can build anticipation for the final launch and keep everyone motivated.

4. Use Time to Build Relationships

Time isn’t just about the project itself; it’s also about building relationships. If you’re leading volunteers, you know that strong relationships are the foundation of a successful team. Before you ask people to commit to a big project, take the time to get to know them, understand their strengths, and build trust.

By investing in relationships over time, you create a culture of support and collaboration that will serve you well when it’s time to launch your project. When people feel valued and connected, they’re more likely to step up and give their best effort.

Using these simple steps will propel your leadership into a higher level of influence with your teams. I love Hootie and the Blowfish, but time doesn’t have to be negative. It can work with you to create something amazing.

Strategically using time can make all the difference in how successful your initiatives are. By casting vision over a period of time, involving your team early, providing regular updates, and building relationships, you can rally your team around your vision in a way that’s sustainable and impactful.

What about you? 

How have you used time to effectively manage your launch initiatives or projects?

By Jason Raitz - CEO, Speak with People

Jason is a successful executive coach and corporate communications trainer, helping Fortune 500 companies as well as smaller organizations increase revenue. Contact Jason today to schedule a call today!