Communication about the change or changes is critical and too frequently neglected. You cannot over-communicate during change. Develop a written communication plan about the change or changes 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. (Make clear that your bias is toward instant communication so some of the details may change at a later date. Tell people that your other choice is to hold all communication until you are positive about the decisions. This is usually disastrous to well-managed change.)
- Provide significant amounts of time for people to ask questions, request clarification, and provide input. (How many of you have been part of a scenario in which a leader presented changes, on overhead transparencies, to a large group, and then fled? This is bad news for change integration!)
Tips Directory - More about change management
