Say You'll Do It, Do It, Say You Did It

Peter Dang's framework for effective communication and execution creates alignment between team members and leadership while ensuring visibility throughout the project lifecycle.

The "Say, Do, Say" Communication Model

The model follows a simple three-part structure that creates accountability and alignment:

1. Say you're going to do the thing

   • Articulate clearly what you plan to accomplish
   • Use this as an opportunity to calibrate with your manager
   • Craft language carefully to "pack the most punch" with dense concepts
   • This step surfaces potential misalignment early before work begins

2. Say that you're doing the thing

   • Provide regular updates during execution
   • Use one-on-ones or team meetings to reaffirm what you're working on
   • This creates opportunities to adjust if priorities have changed
   • Maintains visibility and prevents work from happening in isolation

3. Say that you did the thing

   • Close the loop by communicating completion
   • Ensure your work is recognized and understood
   • Document outcomes and impact
   • Particularly important for introverts who might not naturally highlight their accomplishments

Why This Model Works

• Creates natural calibration points: Forces alignment checks at multiple stages
• Prevents wasted effort: If priorities change, you'll know before investing too much time
• Builds trust: Managers know you're reliable and communicative
• Increases visibility: Especially helpful for remote or distributed teams
• Ensures credit: Your contributions are recognized, which is particularly important for career advancement
• Maintains focus: Keeps everyone oriented toward the same goals

This approach isn't just about "managing up" but represents a fundamental operating principle for effective teamwork. The model helps maintain clarity around goals, creates opportunities to revisit priorities when they're no longer relevant, and ensures everyone stays aligned throughout the execution process.