Follow these examples to communicate change to your team:
1. State the purpose
Explain what might happen if your change isn't implemented: "If we don't implement this change to our process we will face more issues like this in the coming months."
2. Paint a success picture
Help your team imagine the beneficial outcomes with phrases like: "By making a shift, our team will reach our ambitious goals for the quarter."
3. Share your plan
Let your team know how the change might impact them: "We will need to complete this project three days sooner than expected."
4. Make your team a part of the change
Ask for input: "From you perspective, how can we make this needed change a success?"
Or, give them a role: "Your expertise will play an important part in the success of this change."
To communicate change:
1. State the purpose
2. Paint a success picture
3. Share your plan
4. Tell your team their part
Let's practice.
Your colleague wants to communicate a change to her team. She usually outlines why the change is necessary and the role she needs everyone to play, but she notices her team isn't motivated to help her enact the change. What's missing from her communication strategy?
Quiz 1 of 1
What's missing from your colleague's communication strategy?
a
Her team needs to know how the outcomes of the change will benefit the team.
b
She needs to cater to the visual thinkers by giving a more detailed description of her plan.
c
Her team needs her to promise success before they devote their time to the change.
d
Her team needs to be convinced her change is well-planned.
The answer is A.
Your colleague needs to paint a picture for her team to motivate them to achieve the outcomes of the change. Outlining the benefits of the change is a part of communicating change.
Take the next step:
Think about a change you need to communicate in the near future or a change you've recently experienced. Write down the four P's you would communicate to a team.
Lesson complete
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