The person receiving the message must decide to listen, ask questions for clarity, and trust the presenter. The delivery method chosen must suit the circumstances and the needs of both the sender and the receiver. The content of the message has to resonate and connect, on some level, with the already-held beliefs of the receiver. With all of this going on in a communication, I think it s a wonder that organizations ever do it well. Survey participants provided a broad range of suggestions about how to communicate well during any organizational changes.
Recommendations Develop a written communication plan to ensure that all of the following occur.
Communicate consistently, frequently, and through multiple channels, including speaking, writing, video, training, focus groups, bulletin boards, Intranets, and more. Communicate all that is known about the changes, as quickly as the information is available. Tell people that your other choice is to hold all communication until you are positive about the decisions. Provide significant amounts of time for people to ask questions, request clarification, and provide input. Clearly communicate the vision, the mission, and the objectives of the change effort.