"SITREP Over!"
"Be Brief and Tell Them Everything" Title of a novel by Brad Listi
Let me introduce you to the SITREP or Situation Report. The SITREP is a military term abbreviated for use in tactical communication. In combat we had to communicate in short sentences or singular words to prevent the enemy from intercepting our signal. A commander could call another unit or person by their call sign and ask for an update by stating, "SITREP over." 'Over' means end of transmission.
As a battlefield leader, I operated off of information. What was the status of the unit in terms of soldiers, equipment and supplies? What was the enemy situation? What actions was the unit taking? The SITREP followed a 5 W's format. It provided as much information as possible but in a brief format. It took practice to keep it brief and useful. I would use the information received from a SITREP or several SITREPs to make more informed decisions, for instance, the reallocation of resources or the re-tasking of a team or person.
The SITREP is relevant beyond the battlefield. Any leader who needs to guide their organization will operate off of information. And time is still of the essence. I still use it today, not only in my small company but (more jokingly) with family and friends. I train my people on how to deliver the SITREP so I receive relevant, actionable information. Here is a good and bad example.
"Boss, we're really busy. Everyone is engaged in revenue-generating activities and following your priorities." Bad SITREP. I knew all of that before I asked. "Boss, we've got the sales team focused on closing the deal with client X. This morning we took in seven deposits. Mary left early to pick up her mother but Alan will produce the AR report for her. More to follow." Good SITREP. I can make decisions with that information and or it confirms that the team is focused on activities I'd like them focused on.
Give this a shot with your team. Have fun with it. Make it brief but useful for everyone. SITREP over!
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell