Communication through workplace change, is essential for success. Check out our guest blogger Stephanie’s article further below. You can also view our collaborative conversation, as Stephanie and Patricia talk about communication through workplace change, in the video below.
The importance of communication
I (Stephanie) am currently working on a project that has a major impact on the company. Throughout this process I continue to hear a set of words that is not sitting well with me. I keep hearing ‘you can’t fix stupid’. Maybe ‘fixing stupid’ is not the answer. Perhaps fixing the lack of communication is the problem to solve. Consider fixing the lack of understanding. Shifting the focus instead towards changing the way the messages of change is flowing down to the heart of the organization. Instead adjust the process of how changes are introduced to production staff or front-line employees, who are most heavily impacted by them. Maybe these are the answers to fixing the ‘You can’t fix stupid problem’. Considering communication through change is important for successful outcomes.
When big organizational changes take place, the employees most affected are on the front line/floor. These are the people that get the least amount of support and communication. Change is hard. In order to lesson the impact, leaders and bosses needed to COMMUNICATE!
Why communication through change important
In the change process, employees hold an important place because they are directly and indirectly affected by change. Therefore, employees react differently to change
then the leadership may. This is even more the case because employees may not have been part of the decision-making process. Change causes emotional reactions and has consequences that can be accepted, rejected or even ignored. Based on this, it is important to communicate as often as possible. This allows the team to work through their emotional reactions.
Communication comes in many different forms
Since everyone responds to change differently, it is important to use as many different types of communication to get the message across. Some methods of communication include:
- Verbal – in large groups
- Verbal in a small group or team setting
- Email outlining the change and the timeline
- Memo outlining the change and the timeline
- Video/VLOG (with closed captions)
- Closed organization Facebook Page LIVE or Instagram LIVE (use social media)
- Infographic
- Flyers/Posters
- Cheat Sheets, How To Guides, Step By Step Guides
- Train the Trainers – Peer Influencers & Early Adopters (mentorship)
- Easily accessible electronic new policies and procedures
Successful communication methods include active listening (when verbal) as well as empathy for the situation.
Communicate, communicate, communicate
Communicating often, in different forms, and at all levels, gives people a chance to digest the change, ask questions, and give feedback regarding the change and the message that is being put out by the organization.
It is also important that the communication comes from a leader or a person in power. A CEO or president. This gives the stakeholders and employees more faith in the change due to the credibility of the person it is coming from.
Another step in communication is if you can train the trainers, or early adopters, so that there can be an internal moral and attitude shift within the organization. With peer to peer mentorship, you can take the approach of not only top down, but bottom up. Change is easier when everyone ‘buys into’ the process, and people don’t feel that they are just being ‘told’ what is happening. If everyone is part of the change, then accepting it and adjusting to it, is more successful.
In Closing
Leaders and Managers are responsible for shaping the culture of an organization through change. A manager’s role goes beyond the day to day duties of the job. Effective managers create a safe environment that fosters open communication, feedback, and a positive work environment while working through organizational change. Effective communication that allows people to digest the message and seek feedback to better understand the change helps create this environment. Considering an effective communication plan when rolling out organizational change is essential for successful outcomes.
References
Birknerová, Z., Birkner, M., & Zbihlejová, L. (2017). Analysis of Links between Communication Skills, Motivational Orientations, and Awareness of Coaching. International Journal Of Organizational Leadership, 6(4), 505-510
Burke, W. (2014). Organization change: Theory and practice (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Elida-Tomita, T. (2010). Strategies And Tactics Regarding Change Communication Within Organisations. Real Example Regarding Communication Change In An
Organisation. Studies In Business & Economics, 5(2), 111-119.
Stephanie
Guest Blogger
Stephanie Lakeit-Hall has an extensive background in Operations Management, as well as project management.She has a diploma in Business Administration with a concentration in Operations Management. Followed by a degree in Business Administration. Stephanie has just completed her MBA in Global Leadership. She is looking forward to using her education inspiring future leaders.
Principal Blogger
Patricia
Patricia with Regier Educational Services, helping facilitators engage the variety of learning types in your online audience. Education includes a Master of Adult Education, a BA in Psychology, and twenty years experience developing and facilitating workplace, community and collaborative training. Online learning experience designer and facilitator. Utilizing teaching adults best practices, and innovative multi-media resources to emphasize your message. Engaging content creator, facilitator and online production partner.
To request more information about learning and development opportunities, or book Patricia as a speaker, or a production partner please use the contact form at the bottom of the webpage, or Email patricia@regiereducation.com
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