Conrad Hilton, founder of Hilton Hotels said there are only three rules for a successful hotel – Location, Location and Location. There is a similar guideline for managing successful change: Communication, Communication, and Communication! An effective change manger needs to keep the flow of information moving laterally and vertically throughout the organization so that employees are fully aware of:

• The need and rationale for the change
• How the change will impact the organization
• And most importantly (for the employee), how the change will affect them.

If managers are not fully in the picture themselves about what is happening then honesty is the best policy. It is better for managers to tell employees that he/she does not know the answer to their question rather that leave a vacuum in which the rumor mill is likely to create the worst possible scenario.

Successful change managers have the communication skills to present the impending change in a balanced way. They understand that many employees fear the uncertainty of change and they know that effective communication, more than anything else, involves that ability to LISTEN and respond effectively to the fears and concerns of others. They stay engaged with their employees and minimize misunderstandings and confusion. This helps the change move fluidly and rapidly through the organization.

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Quote of the Day

Leaders need to be optimists. Their vision is beyond the present. ~ Rudy Giuliani