What role does communication play in effective change management?

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, effective change management is crucial for organizational success. However, a staggering 70% of change initiatives fail, with poor communication often cited as a primary reason. So, what role does communication play in effective change management?

To shed light on this critical question, we’ve turned to Alan O’Neill, renowned change management expert and author of “Premium is the New Black.” With over 30 years of experience guiding global brands through transformative change, Alan brings a wealth of practical insights to the table.

Join us as we explore Alan’s perspective on the pivotal role of communication in driving successful change initiatives. Whether you’re an event planner seeking a dynamic speaker on change management or a business leader navigating organizational shifts, Alan’s expertise offers valuable guidance for your next steps.

Alan O’Neill

Alan O’Neill, a renowned change management expert with 30 years of experience guiding global brands through transformative change, explains the role of communication in effective change management. Communication is critical throughout all four phases of change management: discover, design, deliver, and develop.

In the discover phase, communication involves consulting with those impacted by and expected to support the change. During the design phase, it’s crucial to involve representatives from different departments in a steering group to shape the change initiative. O’Neill emphasizes, “Communication comes up in the third phase, which is deliver and constantly communicating and bringing people on the journey, letting them know what’s going on, sharing milestones of success with them.

The develop phase focuses on long-term sustainability, where communication plays a vital role in recognizing and celebrating those who support the change. O’Neill states, “Communication is critical here, where we’re calling out people who are and celebrating people who are winning and supporting the change.”Effective change management communication should:

1. Involve the right stakeholders from the beginning
2. Create a collaborative design process
3. Maintain constant updates during implementation
4. Celebrate successes and supporters

As organizations navigate change, clear and consistent communication remains a cornerstone of success. Event planners and decision-makers should prioritize speakers who can articulate the importance of communication in driving successful change initiatives.