10.9
MAKING INFORMATION VISIBLE
Inspired by Robert Jolles, Peter Block, and numerous other sources.If you are a leader, people will come to you with messy and complex problems, multiple and
uncertain causes, and a range of possible solutions, each affecting a group of stakeholders in a
different way. You want them to leave your office with the complex situation sorted out, and
with a clear picture of what needs to be done.
In these situations, there are multiple benefits of making information visible (e.g., on a
whiteboard or flip chart):
✔ It clarifies often unclear verbal communication.
✔ It cuts down on repetition. People know that you
have grasped the key points.
✔ It demonstrates listening (i.e., you have written
what you heard).
✔ Written words and pictures increase retention.
They are aids to memory.
✔ Many people are visual learners. They much prefer
to “see the problem.”
✔ It aids innovation by helping people to put otherwise unrelated issues together.
✔ It serves as documentation of the meeting.
✔ It aids in priority setting and action planning by displaying the big picture.Tips for making information visible:
❑ Use short phrases (three to five words) and use key points only.
❑ Write just enough to be able to reconstruct the idea. Do not try to write long sentences.
❑ Write the person’s exact words and phrases whenever possible.
❑ Flip charts are ideal to use, because you can tear off the page and post it on the wall.
In this way, you can display the full range of ideas being discussed.
❑ If you are brainstorming, write everyone’s input first; discuss and clarify later.
❑ If spelling is a problem for you, abbreviate or put “sp?” next to the word.
❑ If you are sitting with one or two people, use a note pad to make information visible.
❑ Thank people for their contributions, but don’t imply evaluation by using phrases like
“Excellent idea.”TYPICAL CONCERNS ABOUT MAKING INFORMATION VISIBLE
With practice, many of these concerns can be minimized:
- Only a few words or ideas can be captured for each idea expressed. This can actually be
helpful, because it keeps the expression of ideas brief. It is challenging to distill a few
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