“Keep me posted.”
Leaders say it all the time.
The simple act of posting someone to keep them informed is an everyday practice familiar to all of us. Messages that clarify progress on a project, acknowledge a promise has been kept, a signal that a package has been sent, or warn of a possible delay are all common postings. Postings are a fast act of professionalism that can reduce anxiety by letting others know where matters stand. No matter how senior you become, it is never beneath you to post others to keep them informed.
As valuable as posting is, perhaps the more important idea is “non-posting.” A non-posting is a message that essentially says everything is on track, there is nothing new to report, and others can depend on the status quo. “All good here.” “No change with our work.” “We remain on schedule.” “We learned what we expected to.”
The best leaders use non-postings strategically to open up the lines of communication. If others are reluctant to engage, this can give them a reason to reply. Non-postings tell others they are welcome to engage if they would like to. This is the case when clients go silent, senior leaders don’t respond, or when you know others have a question or an issue to explore but are hesitant to do so.
Try this ninja tactic to nudge conversation with those slow to engage. Good leaders post. Crafty leaders send non-postings to jumpstart conversations.
