four must-dos so you’ll be able to speak about change
Changes of any kind in a company can bring uncertainty. And when things feel unsafe, communicating proactively is more important than ever. Everyone will have many questions about the future, and it is important not to ignore these questions or to pretend no one is asking them.
What's the best way to talk about change? Here are four tips to successfully address change:
- Confirm the change
When you don't know when things can changeTeam members will fill the "information vacuum" with their own assumptions … or worse, delay work. - Talk about what you knowOften times, even when there is uncertainty, you know a lot and can talk about it in business. Focus on what is safe. For example, the constant need to anticipate what customers will need. For the most part, you know that more is valuable to employees than you might think.
- Answer questions as openly as possibleMake a commitment to simple answers to things you know for sure. If you don't have an answer yet, don't be afraid to say, "I don't know… but I'll see what I can find out. " If you fail to see when things are changing, team members fill the "information vacuum" with their own assumptions.
- Share concerns with other leaders and communicatorsDo not keep the difficult questions you answered to yourself. Make sure you let the executives – and your communications team – know what topics are emerging in your division.
How you answer employee questions determines their trust in you and, consequently, their willingness to follow you.
What musts do you need to work on in terms of change?
– David Grossman
Get a three-step formula and template to define the change, your target audience, the role they play, and a four-part method of mapping your message. Click the image below to download your free copy today.
