Be Explicit With Your Instructions
Summary
- When giving instructions, be clear and specific to get the best results.
- Instead of saying "make the bed," say "make the bed like a five-star hotel."
- Be detailed about what you want: sheets should be tucked in, pillows fluffed, and maybe even put a chocolate on the pillow.
- Clear and specific instructions help others understand exactly what you expect.
Video
How To Take Action
Implementation Strategies
I would suggest implementing clear and specific instructions to get better results, especially if you manage a team or work with others. Here are some actionable steps to help you get started:
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Be Clear and Specific: Instead of giving vague instructions, be as detailed as possible. For example, if you want someone to set up a display, say, "Arrange the items in a neat row, color-coordinated, with the tallest items at the back and a promotional sign at the front."
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Use Relatable Comparisons: Make your instructions relatable. If you want a task done to a specific standard, compare it to something the person can easily visualize. Like, "Organize the desk as neatly as a library bookshelf," so they know exactly what level of neatness you're aiming for.
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Detail the Process: Explain what you want step by step. If you need the office cleaned, specify, "Sweep the floor, wipe down all surfaces, and ensure all chairs are pushed in."
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Implement Checklists: Create checklists for repetitive tasks. This helps ensure nothing is forgotten and sets a clear standard. For example, "Client Meeting Prep: Arrange chairs, set up projector, place water bottles, ensure all presentations are loaded."
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Provide Examples: Show a completed example if possible. For instance, you can set up one shelf exactly how you want all the shelves to look, giving your team a visual guide to follow.
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Feedback Loop: Encourage a feedback loop where the person can ask questions if they are unsure. This ensures clarity and allows for adjustments before mistakes happen.
By following these steps, you’ll notice that your instructions are better understood and executed, leading to higher quality results without extra costs or time investments.
Full Transcript
say I am the head of a Hospitality Group and I've got a line of maids I say hey make the beds okay the bed is made but like the sheets are ruffled like the pillow is not fluff the creases are not made it's not tucked in It's Made technically but it doesn't look like how I want it to look versus if I said make your bed like a five-star hotel would you envision sheets are tucked in the pillows are fluffed there's like a little chocolate on the pillow all the differences there which will have a massive impact on results is the instructions that you give the person
