Making Change Management Mindful (Part 3): How to Effectively Communicate Change
Aug 22, 2023
auto_awesome
This podcast discusses the importance of effective communication during change management. It emphasizes tailoring messages to different divisions, the role of middle managers in communication, and the need for repetition and involvement of key stakeholders. Additionally, it explores the significance of branding in change management and internal communication.
Effective communication is crucial in change management and should be tailored to different divisions and audiences within the organization.
Middle managers play a crucial role in change communication and must have leadership capabilities to discern resistance and address concerns within their teams effectively.
Deep dives
Importance of Effective Communication in Change Management
Effective communication is crucial in change management as it ensures understanding, buy-in, and support from employees. Communication methods vary depending on the scale of the change, ranging from change managers taking charge of communication in small-scale changes to partnering with a communications organization in larger-scale changes. The messenger of the change plays a significant role, with research showing that employees prefer hearing about change from their direct managers. It is essential to equip managers with enough information to understand and support the change, as well as coach and address individual concerns within their teams. Communication should be tailored to different divisions and audiences within the organization, with audience analysis being critical. Additionally, maintaining consistent and clear messaging, while also considering the pace of the change curve and individual readiness, helps ensure effective communication.
The Role of Middle Managers in Change Communication
Middle managers play a crucial role in change communication as they directly manage the employees being impacted by the change. They are often the communicators and must have the leadership capabilities to discern resistance due to personal issues versus resistance related to the change itself. Recognizing patterns of resistance and addressing the root causes helps in adjusting messaging and strategies. Effective communication between middle managers and change managers helps facilitate dialogue, understand employee concerns, and identify areas of improvement within the organization. Coaching and providing talking points to middle managers enable them to address resistance and effectively communicate with their teams, ensuring consistent messaging and understanding of the change.
Importance of Early and Frequent Communication in Change
Early and frequent communication is vital in change management to ensure understanding, engagement, and adoption. Communicating as early as possible allows for involvement and input from those impacted by the change, building buy-in and reducing resistance. Research suggests that people need to hear a message multiple times before it sticks, making ongoing communication necessary. Leveraging existing communication channels, such as team meetings, emails, and social channels, helps to reach employees effectively. Involving employees in the change journey through pilot programs, focus groups, and community networks enhances communication and creates change advocates. Communication should be tailored to specific audiences and their needs, considering the meaningful sender and utilizing branding techniques to improve recognition and engagement.
This podcast is Part 3 of a conversation between Madison Lundquist, principal research lead for process and performance management at APQC, and Lynda Braksiek, principal research lead for knowledge management at APQC, about how to drive effective change in organizations. Part 3 covers how to effectively communicate change.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
