WorkMatters Tips Issue #38 – February 12, 2008
Publisher: Gayle Lantz mailto:lantz@workmatters.com
https://workmatters.com
WorkMatters, Inc.
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A quick tip to help leaders and executives who need to motivate their teams and themselves, and catapult their business.
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Communication Tips for Leaders in Times of Change
Are you excited about the changes occurring in your business? As a leader, you have a better view of the business as a whole.
You understand the overall strategy and the need for change. You feel a sense of urgency to move the company forward, but others don’t seem to follow, at least not easily.
One senior executive I know said with exasperation,"The opportunity we have is tremendous. People just need to stop whining and get on with things!" Another senior executive decided to mandate "change training classes" which was met with resentment by employees.
In times of change, the leader’s message and how that message is communicated is even more important. When things start to shift in the business, people rely more heavily on what the leader has to say.
What do you want to say?
Here are some friendly communication reminders to help you and others navigate needed change.
* State the gain. Share what will be gained as a result of the change. Before explaining the change, help people understand why decisions were made and what benefits will result.
* Listen. Leaders often feel pressure to overexplain or to "sell" the change. Let people respond to their own understanding of the change. Clarify misunderstandings if needed. Often people simply want to know leaders hear their concerns.
* Use "we" versus "you." Using "we" suggests a message of working together which is especially important in the midst of change.
* Create positive expectation. Instead of "we will try…," say,"we will…" or "we can…" You will sound stronger in your belief. Emphasize what you are most optimistic about.
With change comes stress. As you ask questions of your employees or team, note words that create more stress. The words below range from most stress producing to least:
* High stress: Why or When — Examples:Why did you…? When will you…?
* Moderate stress: Who or Where — Examples:Who suggested that…? Where did you find…?
* Low stress: How or What — Examples:How did it happen? What have you considered?
Watch your words in times of stress and communicate well to ease and speed change.
PS: While your communication is critical in times of change, check your mindset. Your mindset is just as important. Your mindset determines what possibilities exist, how you communicate and
ultimately how effectively you can lead change.
*** A complimentary copy of "Your Leadership Mindset: Thrive…or Barely Survive," is available upon request. It’s the current issue of the WorkMatters Newsletter, which is available in print.
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ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
Good communication is as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after.
~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh
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Reprinted from "WorkMatters Tips," a free ezine produced by Gayle Lantz featuring tips for leaders and executives who want to grow themselves, their team and their business. Subscribe at
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