Communication in Change Management

By Susan M. Heathfield

Jobs Vacancy, Job vacancies, Employment Jobs

You cannot over-communicate when you are asking your organization to change. Every successful executive, who has led a change management effort, in my experience, makes this statement.

I have never worked with a client organization in which employees were completely happy with communication. Communication is one of the toughest issues in organizations. Effective communication requires four components interworking perfectly for “shared meaning,” my favorite definition of communication.

• The individual sending the message must present the message clearly and in detail, and radiate integrity and authenticity.



• The person receiving the message must decide to listen, ask questions for clarity, and trust the sender of the message.



• 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.

Change management practitioners have provided a broad range of suggestions about how to communicate well during any organizational changes.

You Feel Unappreciated in Your Current Job

By Susan M. Heathfield

Jobs Vacancy, Job vacancies, Employment Jobs

You work hard every day, but you don't feel your boss or your workplace recognize your efforts. You can't remember the last time anyone thanked you for your contributions.

• Tell your boss you would like her input about how she views your work. Tell the boss you'd like to sit down with him regularly to obtain feedback, both good and bad, so you can improve.



• Offer to chair an employee recognition team that can develop a process for recognizing the hard work and efforts of all your coworkers. After all, if you're feeling unappreciated, you can bet others are, too.



• Sometimes, feeling unappreciated has to do with money. Ask your manager for a raise or ask when you can expect your compensation review. Follow up to make sure it happens.