My favorite coaching assignment for Alaka‘i Managers (second to the Daily Five Minutes, and much easier to learn) is this one, reserved for the last 15 minutes of their workday.
- Answer this question: Who is waiting to hear from me?
- Make that call, preferably in person or on the phone. Give them whatever update you have.
Cultivate this simple two-step as a daily workplace habit, and I guarantee you you’ll be known as the best communicator people know.
We managers don’t share information half as much as we should, and seemingly small habits like this one make a BIG difference.

Try it, and see what happens to your reputation as an Alaka‘i Manager.
A related post: Improve your Reputation with 1 List
Thanks for this blog post, Rosa! I think many people don’t know how important that kind of communication is. I experienced situations myself when I felt excluded because I got a task to do but had the impression that I did not know important things which were connected to doing that task.
I myself prefer to communicate – even if there is sometimes a call which is not absolutely necessary.
.-= Ulla ´s last blog ..Tumblr ”“ and how I use it =-.
I agree Ulla. We make so many assumptions with each other when we shouldn’t, and over-communicating is such a small, small risk to take when there are way bigger downsides to not communicating, just as you’ve shared.