Commander’s Critical Information Requirements can help your team determine what needs to make it up the flagpole.
“It’s not information overload, it’s filter failure.” – Clay Shirky
Communication technology such as email, chat programs like Slack, and text have eased the ability to pass information in the modern workplace. The result: information overload. Without some standard, people (especially leaders) become saturated and ineffective. They are left to sift through mountains of messages to find the ones that will help them lead their organization. People navigate their days wondering what to share with the boss. We had this problem in the Army with large units and multiple communication means. To fix this we used CCIR, Commander’s Critical Information Requirements. Replace commander with whatever your title is and you have a useful communication rubric your people can follow.
CCIR is best defined as those bits of information which may cause a leader to make a decision. Most information has use but CCIR can bring the most important information to the top. My CCIR would change based on the environment but I used it to help my people help me lead. Leaders cannot possibly know everything, nor should they. Hence the word ‘critical’ in the acronym. Here is an example:
In Company X, Tracy has five CCIRs:
1. Any expense over $10,000
- Potential Decision: Tracy will shift resources in a cash-strapped organization.
2. Any customer complaint that could result in greater problems for the organization
- Potential Decision: Tracy inserts herself as the company’s leader to mend any wounds caused by a customer’s unhappiness and takes steps to prevent it from happening again.
3. Any delay in the progress of the new product line
- Potential Decision: Tracy, sitting atop marketing, sales, and product development can speed or slow the pace of operations to keep everything synchronized.
4. Any serious injury (life, limb, eyesight) to an employee
- Potential Decision: Along with genuine concern, Tracy can ensure the person and family are cared for and investigate the injury to see if any safety measures need to be implemented.
5. Any major personal or professional milestone reached by a person or department in the company
- Potential Decision: Be among the first to offer personal congratulations. She knows the importance of celebrating milestones and wants to foster a congratulatory environment shining the light on the accomplishments of her teams and people.
There are more CCIRs for sure but they ought to be focused enough so that people know which bits of information are truly important. They also require greater definitions and concrete examples so people can abide.
Leaders may avoid a CCIR list for several reasons, insisting upon more frequent communication that ultimately hinders their efficacy as a leader. Try to avoid these mindsets if you can:…
