You're working on a small team and need to get your message across. What's the best way to do it?

1 Know your audience

Before you send an email, make a call, or schedule a meeting, think about who you're talking to and what they need to know. Different team members may have different roles, perspectives, and preferences. For example, your project manager may want a brief summary of your progress and challenges, while your designer may need more details and feedback on your vision and expectations. Tailor your message to suit your audience and avoid jargon, assumptions, or irrelevant information.

2 Choose the right channel

Depending on the urgency, complexity, and sensitivity of your message, you may want to choose different communication channels. For example, if you need a quick response or confirmation, a text message or a chat app may be more efficient than an email. If you have a lot of information or feedback to share, a phone call or a video conference may be more effective than a long email. If you have a sensitive or difficult issue to discuss, a face-to-face conversation may be more respectful and productive than a written message. Choose the channel that best suits your purpose and audience.

5 Follow up and follow through

Communication doesn't end when you send or receive a message. You also need to follow up and follow through on your communication. For example, if you make a request or a promise, confirm it in writing, set a deadline, and update your team on your progress. If you receive a request or a promise, confirm your understanding, agree on a deadline, and report your results. If you have a problem or a delay, inform your team as soon as possible, explain the reason, and propose a solution. By following up and following through, you show your team that you're reliable, accountable, and trustworthy.