Context

Deans have a visible role, often responding to questions within a public context.

• Questions without background
  • yields pressure/stress
  • may lead to incorrect assumptions or provide incomplete information
  • may prompt unconsidered/less-than-optimal comments/decisions

Strategy

• Provide background information early and often
  • On-going stream of reports sets context, developments
  • Status reports show progress, establish credibility
  • Lengthy reports give helpful perspective, even if just skimmed, BUT
  • Executive summary at start helpful, if reports long/involved
• In conversations and reports, organization and preparation are vital
  • Put conclusions, requests at start to focus discussion
  • Structure arguments (all rules of good technical writing apply)

created 12 October 2006 last revised 16 October 2006

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