5 Minute Communication Game Changer: SPARK

Does any of this resonate with you?

 

“I don’t know why communication is such a struggle!”

“Performance from some team members just isn’t where it needs to be.”

“I’m constantly fixing things and putting out fires. There just aren’t enough hours in the day.”

 

These are statements I hear from leaders all the time as they grind through misaligned expectations, communication break downs, accountability challenges and fixing the issues left behind by poor performance.

 

It’s painful, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

 

What if told you there is a simple, effective communication method that will save you time, help your team perform at their best and free you up to focus on the work that matters instead of running from fire to fire?

 

It’s called the SPARK method and, it takes 5 minutes or less.

 

Imagine a member of your team is taking on a task or project. This is a perfect time to use SPARK. Here’s how it works:

 

Set Expectations:

Collaboratively determine the expectations of the task. What’s the basic criteria like deadline? What does success look like? Are there barriers that need to be removed or other tasks that need to be reprioritized to meet expectations? Invest the time to get clear here-it will save you a ton of time and frustration later.

 

Purpose:

Whenever starting a task or project, no matter how big or small, you must explain the WHY. Not only does this give context, but it helps you move the team beyond a task master mindset. Ignite their engagement by showing them how their work connects with the bigger goal or strategy.

 

Action & Attention:

I once two weeks researching and compiling a competitive analysis report at my manager’s request.  I walked into his office to present my findings feeling very confident about the final product. My manager took one look at my report and said, “this isn’t really what I was looking for.” All of that time and energy wasted and I still missed the mark. Ouch.

 

You see, my manager did a great job explaining the expectations and the purpose of the project, but then he left me to my own devices. He trusted me to take action, but he didn’t follow up with attention. There was no check in to make sure I was on the right track.

It’s not enough to set expectations and communicate the purpose. To ensure the right actions are taken to get the project done, you must give that team member and that project a measure of attention.

 

This is the step that is most often skipped by leaders with the universal reason, “I don’t have time to check in and give attention to every person and project on my team.”

 

So, let me ease your mind. When I say “give attention” I’m talking about a regular, proactive check in. This could be a chat on Teams, a text, a quick call or popping into a team member’s workspace. The intention is to check in on progress and action, answer questions and remove anything standing in the way of success. When done effectively, this should take you less than 5 minutes.

 

Real Time Feedback & Coaching:

Since you’re already checking in and giving your attention and support, this is the perfect time to offer real time feedback, advice and coaching, both positive and constructive.

 

If the project or task is on the right track, offer specific kudos. If things are not on track, this is the time to course correct.

 

Had my manager taken this step with me, it would have saved us both a lot of time and the project would have been a success…the first time around.

 

Keep it Going:

Keep the communication going. If there was a correction to be made from real-time feedback and coaching, this is the place to follow up on it.

 

When the task or project is complete, this is where you compare the initial expectations with the final results.

 

These conversations are the most powerful when they’re ongoing.

 

The SPARK method can be used in team meetings, 1:1 conversations, your daily standing meetings and even in conversations you have with your boss. The best part-these conversations take 5 minutes or less.

 

Would you like to reclaim your time? Would you to communicate with impact and help your team do the same? Would you like to take the pain out of performance conversations? Then give the SPARK method a whirl.