Let’s say you’re about to do a jigsaw puzzle, but you’ve lost the box lid with the picture on it. How tough would that puzzle become? This is what it feels like when tasks are handed out at work without explaining why they matter. Here’s a simpler take on why it’s important to show the “big picture” when you delegate tasks and how to do it without fancy buzzwords.

It Keeps People Interested: If team members know how their work fits into the larger plan, they’re more likely to care about what they’re doing. Understanding the why behind their tasks makes those tasks seem more important and can make people want to do them better.

Better Decisions All Around: When everyone knows the end goal, they make smarter choices that keep things moving in the right direction. This means less time waiting on managers to make every little decision.

Ideas Come Easier: People come up with better ideas when they know what they’re aiming for. This could lead to new and improved ways of doing things, which is always good for staying ahead of the game.

How to Make Sure Everyone Sees the Bigger Picture

Tell a Story: Just get to the point and tell your team why what they’re doing matters. Keep it simple. Stories are easier to remember and can make the goal feel more real.

Show, Don’t Just Tell: Sometimes a quick drawing or chart helps people see how things connect more than words alone.

Keep Everyone in the Loop: Things change, and it’s important to keep sharing updates about the goal and how the team is doing. This helps everyone stay on the same page and adjust as needed.

Overall, making sure your team knows the bigger picture turns ordinary tasks into parts of a larger goal. It’s about showing them that what they do matters, which can make a huge difference in how they work. So, the next time you hand out assignments, remember to share the why behind them. It doesn’t have to be complicated, just clear.