Communicating Change

When you don’t explain it, people explain it themselves

During change, leaders are always communicating – even through silence. When information is missing, assumptions arise, and these are often more unsettling than what is actually known. The challenge rarely lies in delivering good news. It lies in speaking openly when you do not yet know everything, are not permitted to share everything or do not agree with everything.

The essentials of this training

When this topic becomes relevant:

Weeks pass between the official announcement and the actual implementation without anyone saying anything. Rumours circulate within the team but are not addressed. Leaders avoid questions because they do not have the answers – and lose credibility as a result. Or information is communicated, but in language no one understands.

What we work on:

Communicating even when not everything has been decided – and clearly stating what has been confirmed and what remains open. Understanding the difference between necessary confidentiality and avoiding difficult questions. Translating messages so that they make sense in employees’ day-to-day work. And responding to questions for which there are no good answers without evading or downplaying them.

How it works:

As a one- or two-day training for groups of six to twelve leaders. We work on the conversations and team meetings that are actually coming up: the announcement itself, the questions that follow and the one-to-one conversation with someone who is particularly affected by the change. If desired, this can form the basis of a shared communication roadmap for the change process.

What changes:

Leaders who communicate openly during change maintain their connection with the team – even when the message is difficult. For the company, this means fewer rumours, less energy spent on speculation and employees who are better able to understand the change and put it into context.

Does this fit your situation?

Let’s talk. In a no-obligation initial conversation, we will clarify what your situation is really about – and whether training is the right format.