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Change - Communication and Involvement
The most important aspect of any change is the need to communicate continually with those affected by any potential changes. This can include employees, suppliers, and clients so that you can manage their respective expectations.
If you have staff representatives or recognised TU committees then use them to ensure that the message you are trying to deliver is consistent. The communication however needs to be tailored to each audience so that you answer the WIIFM (What’s In It For Me?) question. Until they understand the impact on them personally, they will not be listening to the rest of the arrangements.
The other important aspect of any communication exercise is that it is two-way. Your employees may have particular concerns that need addressing - or they may have valuable suggestions of more effective or cheaper alternatives to the change you are proposing. Be prepared to listen and show that you will consider proposed alternatives!
If your employees feel that they have contributed to the decisions regarding the changes, they are more likely to adopt the new ways of working and co-operate fully.
If you have staff representatives or recognised TU committees then use them to ensure that the message you are trying to deliver is consistent. The communication however needs to be tailored to each audience so that you answer the WIIFM (What’s In It For Me?) question. Until they understand the impact on them personally, they will not be listening to the rest of the arrangements.
The other important aspect of any communication exercise is that it is two-way. Your employees may have particular concerns that need addressing - or they may have valuable suggestions of more effective or cheaper alternatives to the change you are proposing. Be prepared to listen and show that you will consider proposed alternatives!
If your employees feel that they have contributed to the decisions regarding the changes, they are more likely to adopt the new ways of working and co-operate fully.
6 Comments
Posted on 22 Jun 2009 by helen
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