Last year I thought about this as I planned the communication loops and routines for my class, Team 15. Essentially I used my dad's advise by creating a system that has a "little for today, and a little for tomorrow," keeping the message alive about past results, current events, and future considerations. This holistic approach to communication keeps a learning/teaching team current, collaborative, and centered. As I continue to think about this issue, I propose the following draft of the weekly memo elements and focus. I continue to think, that for most teams/groups, the weekly memo is an important construct. However, I realize that for every community the regularity and content will differ depending on context, goals, and vision.
I offer the following draft for consideration and debate:
The Weekly Memo
I'm a fan of the weekly memo (Actually, I'm striving for a once-a-week-update, rather than two or three), as I believe this communication piece bonds a team with common purpose, up-to-date news, and the needed cheerleading and encouragement that keeps a team fresh and inspired. The weekly memo could include the following important elements:
Message of the Week
This could simply be a short paragraph noting a weekly emphasis, theme, problem to solve, or common goal. Perhaps a quote or links to inspiring blogs posts are included too.
Points to Ponder
This is where there could be a short list of questions related to upcoming decisions and discussions. Planting the seeds early for this kind of work means that people have the luxury of researching, reflecting, collecting notes, and discussing the issue in advance of the main event. When important issues are introduced last minute, unnecessary stress and confusion occur.
To Do
Rather than a memo each time a new task is added to the plate, the weekly memo could include the to-do list which would be a chart like the one below including task titles, links, due dates, and important notes.
Dates to Remember
A list of the important dates the team needs to note and remember:
Streamlining and making transparent our communication protocols and routines has the potential of invigorating teams as well as creating more time for the purposeful work we do each day.
