SAP Thought Leadership
Communicating Effectively Throughout Organizational Change
"When asked what the biggest challenge in implementing a Change Management Plan is, 56% of the respondents said “Ineffective Communication”.
Effective communication throughout your project will mitigate risk of resistance by informing and involving employees every step of the way. A strong communication plan prepares and empowers employees to learn and adopt the changes ahead.
Know more from Jessica Scanlan, Organizational Change Management Manager, New Era Technology.
Clearly define your ‘Why’
- Clear and concise to easily repeat and acknowledge
- Relevant to employee’s success
- The goal should be measurable and achievable
Open-up communication
- Transparency
- Communicate often
- Allow and respond to feedback
Target Communications to employees
- Make sure communication is relevant and timely for employees—don’t overwhelm them
- Build excitement for the result
- Prepare them each step of the way
- Create buy-in
- Recognize how changes will affect each team and role differently
- Allow and respond to questions and feedback
Use existing and new communication channels
- Employ those channels and formats that are expected and used often by employees—this should be familiar and reassuring
- Create new and exciting ways to communicate the change as well—be creative!
- Create a ‘brand’ for your change so that every communication looks and feels the same
- Don’t forget to recognize employees for their efforts and celebrate small and large wins!
Create and equip a strong Change Champion Network
- Make sure that managers and supervisors to support the change and are ready to support their employees
- Recruit other change agents and super users in the organization to also champion the change
- Prepare them with tools such as talking points; FAQs and speaking prompts to guarantee they are reiterating a consistent message and to avoid confusion
The experienced Organizational Change Managers at New Era Technology can help you tailor your approach and set you up for success with a strong communication plan.
About Author
Jessica Scanlan is an Organizational Change Management Manager at New Era Technology. She is dedicated to empowering employees in the face of change. She has experience implementing Microsoft Dynamics AX, WebApps, COINs and Ceridian applying change management, business analysis, communication and vendor management skills and tools. She is adept at implementing new processes, defining project.
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