Leadership at organizations undergoing significant change spends a lot of time
talking about the process and explaining it to employees. Communications to
employees can take many forms -- from town hall meetings to company
newsletters. These activities -- what I call "active communication" -- are very important.
Employees are often confused and concerned by change. Leadership should take
every opportunity to explain how the change will impact the company and
employees’ day-to-day jobs. However, "passive communication" is just as
important -- and, in certain cases, can be more valuable. By passive communication, I mean ensuring that the organization’s leadership
(everyone from the CEO to front-line supervisors) demonstrates to employees that
they are committed to the change process. One way to achieve this is to ensure that
employees see them engaged in change-related activities. This can include: * Being Seen Learning About the Change: Visible, active participation in
change-related seminars, sessions and other activities is vitally important.
Employees need to understand that leadership throughout the organization is
embracing the process. * Be Seen Implementing the Change: Employees need to understand that leadership
is going to be accountable and rewarded for the success of change-related projects. * Be Seen "Talking Up" the Change: Widespread communication about
change-related processes and procedures is important. However, employees may
discount these announcements or view them as company propaganda. The
conversations employees have with their front-line supervisors about the change
often have the most influence on whether employees view it as credible. After
communicating with their supervisors, employees should understand how the
change will improve their work processes, eliminate bureaucracy and improve their
efficiency. Change management can be a lengthy and difficult process. However, if employees
see leadership taking an active role in the change process, the task can be easier. (c) 2005 Fard Johnmar Fard Johnmar is founder of Envision Solutions, L.L.C., a full-service healthcare
marketing communications consulting firm. Envision Solutions provides innovative
products and services to not-for-profit and for-profit organizations. Envision
Solutions’ goal is to make our clients more efficient and successful. For more
information about Envision Solutions please visit our
Web site
|
