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Communication During Times of Change
By Susan Luff Chritton, M.Ed., Master Career Counselor

Change has become such an everyday part of our lives that we often don't appreciate the impact that change has on our personal and business lives. Good leaders in an organization can greatly buffer the changes on an organization and its members through their communication skills. An agile change leader is someone who has the ability to clearly communicate change and generate employee commitment to those changes. An agile leader shows a willingness to embrace the change themselves and demonstrates change through their actions.

Think about major times of change in both your personal and work life. The primary thing you wanted during those times was information and more information. Often leaders believe that they need to withhold information so as to not panic employees. They believe if they solve the problem before they tell anyone, then the problem will not exist. While that may be true in some instances, it is far wiser to be forthcoming with information.

Communication is especially critical during times of change. Clear, open communication is essential to build or rebuild employees' trust and to strengthen the credibility of the leader. Employees need information to understand what is going on and why; how the change will impact them, and what is expected of them with these changes. Communicating the facts to the employees it will help them deal with the changes and move back into a productive work space.

Communication is especially important during the early stages of the change process. Repeating a clear, consistent message will help those in Denial (the first phase in the change cycle) to accept that the change is real. As the change process moves forward, employees will look forward to hearing the latest communication about the changes and will feel that they are part of the change instead of being victims of change. By communicating early and often your employees will feel that they are partners in your changes.

Change is essential if an organization is going to grow and stay competitive. Embrace ongoing change through the ability to communicate and by modeling the attitude of exciting growth.

Susan Chritton is a Career Counselor in Walnut Creek where she works with individuals and organizations during times of transition. She can be reached at 925-946-9988 SLC4Pways@aol.com  or www.pathwayscareers.com


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