Strategic Communication

Strategic Change Culture Development & Integration Strategic Planning
Workplace Effectiveness

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

Are Executives Getting the Best Information to Make Decisions?

By Kittie Watson | June 29, 2018

Ralph Nichols, considered the father of listening, once said, “Our educational system is upside down. We teach least the skill we use most–listening.” With intolerance and incivility on the rise, listening to understand, engage others, encourage ideation and distinguish accurate from misleading data is more important than ever.

Communicate with Impact: The Real Work of Successful Leaders

By Kittie Watson | June 11, 2015

What is the “real work” of a leader? Communication. Without clear and compelling key messages reinforcing their vision, strategy, priorities and values, leaders are not successful. All great leaders possess at least one key communication asset…

Leaders, Making a List: Checking It Twice…

By Kittie Watson | January 5, 2015

Considering that much of what leaders accomplish each day is done through others, communication effectiveness is crucial. Effective communication is the gift that keeps on giving.