Why do businesses put signs next to the bathrooms to remind us and their employees to wash our hands?
Of course, it’s because the bathroom is the time and place where we need to wash our hands, and have to tools (sink, soap, etc.) to actually do so.
Where and when do your teammates see announcements and updates? For example, things they must do for the next big security review, or the date of next family event.
When your people are coming or going through the front door, they’re too focused on coming and going to write down that reminder flashing on the TV in the foyer. And when they’re eating in the DFAC, they’re too busy eating to remember the information on those posters you slapped on the wall.
If you want an action to go on someone’s list or calendar, then send them the message when their list or calendar are available.
Almost everything else is just noise.
(The exception here are cultural reminders. Things like “who we are,” “why people trust us,” and “things we do to maintain that trust.” Make billboards and posters about these to your heart’s content. These tasks don’t go on our calendars; they’re imprinted on our souls.)
(Photo by Lance Cpl. Yvonne Iwae, DVIDS)
