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

Dancing with the Stars: The Listening Two-Step

By Kittie Watson | October 12, 2014

On ABC’s popular show Dancing With the Stars, there are countless stories of listening failures on the dance floor, resulting in missed steps, injuries and elimination from competition. Many people haven’t been trained to listen critically, and instead, get distracted and focus on the person who speaks the loudest or most often.

The Voice: Excel at Blind Auditions

By Kittie Watson | May 14, 2014

An impression made in the first few seconds of a conference call, for example, determines whether or not participants will be attentive or tune out. To make the best impression with those who can’t see you, leaders need to think differently.

Are You Experiencing Listener Burnout?

By Kittie Watson | April 14, 2014

Do you find yourself avoiding situations that require you to listen? Would you rather read a report or send a text or email rather than having to talk with someone directly? If you are a leader, especially a leader in the medical or other service professions, you may be experiencing listener burnout.