Discuss 2 examples of how a sense of urgency can 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?
Provide a substantive response to one or more of your classmates.
Full Answer Section
- Highlight the importance of the task at hand. When employees understand that their work is important and that it has a direct impact on the organization's success, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. By highlighting the importance of the task at hand, you can create a sense of urgency that will help employees overcome communication barriers.
How to Use this Strategy in Your Communication Plan
When developing your communication plan, you can use the strategy of creating a sense of urgency to help overcome communication barriers. Here are a few tips:
- Set clear expectations for communication. Clearly communicate to employees what is expected of them in terms of communication. This includes things like the frequency of communication, the channels of communication, and the tone of communication.
- Use a variety of communication channels. Don't rely on just one channel of communication to reach your employees. Use a variety of channels, such as email, newsletters, intranet announcements, and face-to-face meetings, to reach your target audience.
- Make communication a two-way street. Encourage employees to communicate with you and with each other. Provide multiple channels for feedback and make sure that employees feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns.
- Be responsive to employee feedback. When employees take the time to communicate with you, make sure that you are responsive to their feedback. This shows that you value their input and that you are committed to improving communication within the organization.
Improving Morale and Providing Information
In the case study of Palm College of Hospitality and Event Management, the college is undergoing a change in administrative 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.
Here are a few tips for communicating these changes in a way that will improve morale and provide needed information:
- Be transparent and honest about the changes. Don't try to sugarcoat the changes or hide the truth from employees. Be upfront about the challenges that the college is facing and the reasons for the changes.
- Involve employees in the change process. Give employees a voice in the change process. Ask for their input and feedback, and make sure that they feel like they are part of the solution.
- Communicate the benefits of the changes. Help employees to understand the benefits of the changes. Explain how the changes will improve the college and how it will benefit them personally.
- Be proactive in addressing concerns. Don't wait for employees to come to you with their concerns. Be proactive in addressing concerns and answering questions.
- Celebrate successes. As the college implements the changes, take the time to celebrate successes. This will help to boost morale and keep employees motivated.
By following these tips, you can create a communication plan that will help to overcome communication barriers and improve morale within your organization.
In addition to the tips above, here are some additional strategies that you can use to create a sense of urgency and overcome communication barriers:
- Use visual communication. Use images, videos, and infographics to communicate your message in a way that is easy to understand and engaging.
- Use storytelling. Tell stories about how the changes have benefited the college or other organizations. This can help to make the changes more real and relatable to employees.
- Use social media. Use social media to communicate with employees and to get their feedback.
- Hold regular meetings. Hold regular meetings with employees to update them on the progress of the changes and to answer their questions.
By using these strategies, you can create a communication plan that will help to overcome communication barriers, improve morale, and support the new vision of the college.
Sample Answer
Creating a Sense of Urgency to Overcome Communication Barriers
A sense of urgency can be a powerful motivator for overcoming communication barriers within an organization. When employees feel that their work is important and that they need to take action, they are more likely to be open to new information and willing to engage in dialogue.
There are a number of ways to create a sense of urgency within an organization. Here are two examples:
- Set clear deadlines and consequences. When employees know that there is a clear deadline for completing a task, they are more likely to take it seriously and communicate effectively with their colleagues. Additionally, if there are clear consequences for not meeting deadlines, employees will be more motivated to avoid communication breakdowns.