In defining the task/communicating the objective you need to have
the following abilities:- To tell the group the objective you have been given
BEWARE:not understanding it yourself can lead to lack of
clarity. - To tell the group what to do and why
BEWARE:giving the reason in terms of a past event rather than
future. - To break down aims into objectives for other groups
BEWARE:not making them specific enough or not making sure
there are enough objectives which add up to complete the aim. - To agree the objective
BEWARE:taking things for granted and not fixing on the
objective. - To relate the aim to the purpose (to answer what and why
questions)
BEWARE:confusing your division’s aim with the purpose of the
organisation. - To define the purpose and check that the aims relate to it and
to each other
BEWARE:not doing it often enough. - To redefine the purpose to generalise it and create more aims
and objectives
BEWARE:causing confusion by doing it too often or not knowing
that it has to be done. - To communicate purpose to employees
BEWARE:using the wrong language, by-passing leaders below
you or relying on others doing it for you.
In defining the task, it needs to be broken down into objectives, aims
and purpose so that it can be communicated with clarity. The end
of the task should also be defined when the need arises and all should
be aware of what the success criteria will be.
130 The John Adair Handbook of Management and Leadership