It seems like we’re immersed in noise these days. Audible sounds, sure, but also advertising and media and news and arguments and ….

Here’s the question: Are you adding to it as a leader?

People aren’t productive in noisy environments, unless they’ve found ways to mentally shut it out. That’s why many wear earbuds, or have “focus time”, or crave time away from meetings.

As a leader, your job is to help your people stay focused and productive. Sure, you created that very impressive PowerPoint with goals and values statements and an org chart. To many folks, that’s more noise than useful information.

More likely, they want to know:

  • What should I be working on NOW?
  • How will I be measured?
  • Are there important deadlines I have to strive for?
  • Who exactly do I need to make happy with my work?

Depending on the structure of your team, the answers to these might be different for each individual, or shared among people who work together closely. But this is the kind of clarity which helps people cut through the noise.

And then get the heck out of the way and let them do their jobs!