Completely redesigning the goalposts, not just moving them

Being an internal comms specialist, I don’t mind change – in fact, I enjoy and relish it as it keeps things fresh and interesting. Not changing means standing still.

When it comes to tasks, I like a really clear brief and tend to ask questions, holding meetings if necessary, to clarify what needs to be done. As a sole IC operative, I need to make sure I’ve got it clear from the top before I head off and work on something to avoid wasting time.

So when the scope of a task changes dramatically, it tends to wind me up.

Take a recent example where I’ve been tasked with putting together the presentation deck for some all-staff briefings. The idea was to use a slimmed-down version of the budget presentation so that a) we don’t have to reinvent the wheel, b) we can let people know exactly what is being decided at the top level of the organisation and c) there’s more transparency of information throughout the company.

I met with two senior stakeholders to discuss tweaks which was fine – clearer idea of what was required: check.

This morning, having submitted a version of the deck to one of these senior stakeholders yesterday, I’ve realised from the feedback that an almost complete rewrite and redesign is now required. Like I said, change is fine, but unclear – and quite frankly unhelpful – direction just means I lose time (and hair!) while I attempt version 2 and hope that the goalposts won’t be moved again so dramatically.

Any tips, people?