Leading at Light Speed is a new leadership book by Eric Douglas detailing the 10 Quantum Leaps to build trust, spark innovation, and create a high-performing organization. Chapter 8 is all about Workplace Communication.

To begin, you need to know which unified message you want to convey – regardless of the audience. A useful way of thinking about communication is the “message box.” It contains one to three key messages that drive all your communications. If you’ve digested the earlier chapters in this book, then you know where to look first: at your purpose, core values and vision. The heart of your message should be the impacts and outcomes that you are trying to achive.

For example, your message box might be that “our highest priority is our customers’ and employees’ safety.” If someone asks you what you’re doing to deal with financial setbacks, the first thing out of your mouth should be “our highest priority is our customers’ and employees’ safety.The Message Box can and should be the base of all the communication. Staying in your bounderies can be tough. It can feel repetitive and creatively stifling. But the effort is worth it in terms of the consistency and trust building.

Don’t forget! The Message Box should contain one to three simple messages, not tons of information. These are the things you would want every one of the groups listed above to hear. Don’t try to customize your message to fit a specific group. People will always hear differant messages, but over time they’ll come to realize how much oppertunity your company really offers. On the other hand, if all your communications are driven by your company’s purpose, core values and vision, people will sense the level of commitment and integrity.

For example, if a company specializes in analyzing the key indicators of future performance in publicaly traded companies, then the Message Box might hold that promise and vision for the masses to see. Our core values of innovation and integrity guide us in everything we do.” It can be that simple.

Take this free work survey to see if your organization practices the 10 Quantum Leaps of high-performing organizations.