Part 1
Revisit the Learn section for this week to review Kotter’s 8 Steps for Leading Change and the case study: The Importance of Strategic Communication During Change Management at Palm College of Hospitality and Event Management.
In Kotter’s model, the first step is “establishing a sense of urgency.”
Discuss 2 examples of how a sense of urgency be created to overcome communication barriers within an organization.
How could you use this strategy as you develop the communication plan for your company?
In the case study Palm College of Hospitality and Event Management is undergoing a change in administrational leadership. The changes need to be communicated in such a way that it improves the workers’ morale and provides faculty and staff with the information that they need to support the new vision of the college.
If you were a business consultant for Palm College, what recommendation(s) would you offer to the new dean regarding his email and future communication channels?
How can you apply the change management communication strategies discussed in the case study to your company’s consulting plan?
Part 2
Provide a substantive response to one of your classmate’s posts (Monisha Zach.)
Establishing a sense of urgency is a critical first step in Kotter’s 8 Steps for Leading Change. To create a sense of urgency and overcome communication barriers within an organization, consider the following two examples:
1. Identify and communicate a critical issue: Share data or statistics that highlight a significant problem or opportunity that requires immediate attention. For instance, “If we don’t improve our customer satisfaction ratings, we risk losing 20% of our customer base within the next quarter.” This approach helps to create a sense of urgency by highlighting the consequences of inaction.
2. Set a deadline: Establish a clear timeline for achieving a specific goal or milestone. This could be “We need to launch the new product within the next 6 months to stay competitive in the market.” Setting a deadline creates a sense of urgency by establishing a clear timeframe for action.
To apply this strategy to your company’s communication plan, consider the following:
– Clearly articulate the reasons behind the change and the benefits of adopting it
– Use data and statistics to support the need for change
– Establish a sense of urgency by setting deadlines or highlighting critical issues
– Communicate the vision and goals consistently across all channels
– Engage with employees and stakeholders to build support and encourage feedback
Regarding the case study, as a business consultant for Palm College, I would recommend the following to the new dean:
– Use a more personal and inclusive tone in the email to address faculty and staff concerns
– Provide clear information about the new vision and goals
– Establish a regular communication channel to keep faculty and staff informed
– Encourage feedback and open dialogue to build trust and support for the change
– Consider holding town hall meetings or other forums to address questions and concerns
To apply the change management communication strategies discussed in the case study to your company’s consulting plan, consider the following:
– Develop a comprehensive communication plan that addresses the needs and concerns of all stakeholders
– Use multiple channels to communicate the vision and goals
– Provide regular updates and progress reports
– Encourage feedback and open dialogue to build trust and support for the change
– Consider using storytelling techniques to make the change more relatable and personal
– Use visual aids and other tools to help communicate the change and make it more accessible.
