How many times after you offer directions to someone… do they NOT do what or the way you instructed them to?  The unfortunate and uncomfortable reaction is: “I thought you said” … or “That’s not what I heard!” And there are always multiple excuses for “not hearing” correctly like: “People were talking in the background” … or “I listened but I thought we were just doing it the way we have always done it!” … or “I just have been getting so many messages I can’t keep them straight.”

Well as simple or common sense-ish as it may be, this week’s TRIPLE III TIME message is all about masterfully Offering Directions.

First, make no assumptions. Even if you are pretty sure someone has heard part or all the directions before… repetition is a good thing.

Second, finish with a request for direction interpretation.  Sometimes you will be amazed by the response and incorrectness that is returned.

Third, sharing a hand-out or requiring the listener to take notes is not inappropriate. Taking steps to ensure completeness and accuracy… is just responsibility building.

Finally, don’t be too confident in your verbal skills… and write down your directions and maybe even rehearse your discussion plan.  Take a look in the mirror when you practice, and you may learn something about your Offering Directions effectiveness.

(NOTE: I know I have!)