A recent column by author and CEO Harvey Mackay (Chicago SunTimes, Jan. 27, 2008) centered on the use of talking points when selling or even interviewing for a promotion or new job.  Talking points are also essential when engaged in significant change events within an organization.

But have you considered the value of talking points in your everyday management activities?

Talking points are not fact sheets.  It is not excessive information, or micromanaged directions.  We live in a sound bite world, as we readily see from all of our presidential contenders.  But because of the cacaphony of information coming at people, doesn't it make sense to create a quick and easily remembered message to guide your team?  Shouldn't they be consistently hearing a short message of what you stand for--your vision?

Consider some of these management sound bites:

• Prepare to win.
• Deliver more than you promise.
• Take the high road.
• We handle all that is dark, dirty and broken.
• Flawless execution.
• Every expense is controllable.

And so on.  What is the sound bite that is important to your team's success?