Strategic Communication

Workplace Effectiveness Strategic Change Culture Development & Integration Strategic Planning

A leader’s ability to communicate change quickly and effectively can mean the difference between an organization thriving or declining. During times of uncertainty, complexity and change, communication is the glue that:

Aligns goals for better coordinated action
Promotes faster, more effective decision making
Ensures smooth implementation

Our communication experts help leaders learn “best practices” to engage the right communication channels, processes and practices. We work to ensure that messages build trust, commitment and are:

Timely
Consistent
Aligned
Transparent

Time-tested Selected Communication Strategies and Tools

1. Communication Audits

Evaluate usage and effectiveness of current channels, processes and practices
Use technology most efficiently and effectively
Adapt messages to employee preferences and practices
Engage collaborative decision-making strategies and tools
Standardize operating procedures for clarity and engagement

2. Strategic Stakeholder Roadmaps and Communication Plans

Provide a framework to ensure messages, initiatives and actions cascade to key stakeholders
Revise plans as targets are met, circumstances change, or new objectives are identified
Measure outcomes

3. Key Communicator Programs

Communicate with Impact - Ensure leaders are well-informed and prepared with consistent messaging to:
- Support the vision, values and change internally and externally
- Engage and influence others to achieve goals
- Present consistent, clear and compelling updates at the right time, through the right channels and to the right people
- Listen to and involve others in key activities and goals

Team Briefings - Regularly scheduled face-to-face or enhanced video processes that encourage two-way communication from those closest to the source of information
- Cascade information throughout the system within set time frame
- Offer JIT data for managers to share with direct reports
- Provide consistent, timely and accurate information
- Move through layers of workforce simultaneously
- Maintain momentum during change initiative

Listening Groups - Forum to help leaders engage employees in dialogue to gain input as well as explore and discuss issues.
- Focus Groups:
  - Generate hypotheses for future opportunities
  - Develop sound approaches for intended audience
  - Gain understanding from those on the frontlines
  - Enhance use of survey results and delivery channels

Strategic Communication Blogs

Influence, Engagement and Listening Leaders

By Megan McGlothin | August 28, 2025

by Kittie W. Watson, Ph.D. and Becky Ripley, MS “Leaders who don’t listen will eventually be surrounded by people who have nothing to say.” -Andy Stanley Bombarded by outside stimuli and distractions, it is difficult for listeners to focus. Instead of concentrating on the person speaking, many listeners are drawn to distractions other than the […]

How Leaders Improve Listening and Increase Influence

By Megan McGlothin | August 28, 2025

by Kittie W. Watson, Ph.D. and Becky Ripley, MS “The true measure of leadership is influence—nothing more. Nothing less.” —John Maxwell Leadership is often defined as the ability to influence others. Beloved leaders set the stage to influence through relationships built on trust, confidence and support. Others influence by providing data and evidence to demonstrate […]

Leaders Can Halt the Great Resignation — Stop Talking & Start Listening

By Megan McGlothin | May 23, 2022

Several years ago, an Innolect executive coach was featured on an ABC 20/20 segment entitled, “Excessive Talking.” The piece highlighted a newly hired leader who had something to add to every conversation, interrupted others in meetings, failed to ask questions of his team—and had been divorced twice. He talked too much. When his manager noticed […]