Leaders always need to communicate, but it's particularly important (and challenging) during change. Learn 6 things managers can do to communicate during change.

1. 6 Criteria for Communication
During Organizational Change
Debbie Narver, BSc MBA MScIB
Strategic Management Instructor at NMC Strategic Manager

2. Emotions and fear can be running high during change.
This can lead to resistance.

3. How is communication during change
different than at other times?
• People search out information to try to find certainty. Is
my job REALLY safe? Am I going to appear incompetent in
this new environment?
• These thoughts that may be consuming someone’s
attention when you think they are listening to you.
• Individuals may not even be consciously aware of these
distracting voices in the back of their mind.

4. Here’s 6 things you can do to make sure you are
communicating effectively during change.

5. 1. Ensure 2 way communication
While emails, memos and
presentations can provide
information, people often
need to ask questions and
discuss.
Providing the opportunity for
input helps to reduce that
sense of powerlessness that
may occur during change.

6. 2. Engage versus inform
Actively seek to understand
the needs of others, and
look for opportunities to
address their needs.
Perhaps you can get them
actively involved in the
change? Maybe they have
some valuable input?

7. 3. Use different approaches
Not all groups will need or even
desire the same level of interaction.
Some may be quite happy with
occasional emails and
presentations.
Others may require more frequent
and interactive types of
communication.

8. 4. Repetition
Use different approaches to get the
message across, particularly for
critical messages during critical
times.
For example, you may use a written
memo, a presentation, focus group
discussions and some targeted one-
to-one meetings all on the same
issue.

9. 5. Keep Going
People’s attitudes may change,
or they may slip back to old
habits.
So even when you think you are
“finished” and that things are
sailing along smoothly, ensure
there is a process for regular
updates and reinforcement.

10. 6. Develop a Plan
Being proactive about
communication will ensure that
you implement the above 5
steps.
Identify each of your
stakeholders, what they need
and how often.
Put it in your calendar!

11. This is one important aspect of change
leadership
But make sure you are
applying the full range
of best practices to
plan, implement and
reinforce
organizational
change.

12. Learn more about Strategic Management
Training and Consulting
www.nmcstrategicmanager.com