In the article, Wes Kao provides a comprehensive guide on how to give the right amount of context in professional communications to enhance productivity and minimize misunderstandings, particularly when interacting with managers. He emphasizes the importance of being clear and specific, offering the necessary context without overwhelming the recipient with superfluous details. Key strategies involve reminding the recipient of prior discussions, specifying next steps, and subtly gauging the appropriate depth of detail based on the situation and the manager's preferences. By honing these communication skills, individuals can streamline interactions, thereby facilitating more effective collaboration and decision-making.

Key Points:

• Contextual Reminder: Always begin by reminding your manager where you left off in previous discussions.
• Be Specific: Clearly state what you need and any actions required from the recipient to avoid ambiguity.
• Use FYIs Wisely: Indicate when a message is for informational purposes only to reduce unnecessary follow-up.
• Detail Balance: Avoid excessive irrelevant details while ensuring important information is included for clarity.
• Variable Context: Adjust the amount of context based on the significance and potential impact of decisions being discussed.
• Criteria and Assumptions: Make your reasoning transparent and share the criteria behind your recommendations.
• Minimum Backstory: Keep your backstory concise to prevent rambling and maintain focus on the main point.
• Organized Structure: Present the main point first, followed by the supporting context to enhance readability.
• Concise Options: Offer specific areas for elaboration to streamline communication and demonstrate strategic thinking.
• Anticipate Questions: Proactively address common inquiries your manager may have to reduce their cognitive load.
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