Blog - Opinion

The Jacoby Consulting Group Blog

Welcome to the Jacoby Consulting Group blog.
You will immediately notice that this blog covers a wide range of themes - in fact, whatever takes my fancy or whatever I feel strongly about that is current or topical. Although themes may relate to business, corporate or organisational issues (i.e. the core talents of JCG), they also cover issues on which JCG also feels warranted to comment, such as social issues, my books, other peoples' books and so on. You need to know that comments are moderated - not to stifle disagreement - but rather to eliminate obnoxious or incendiary comments. If a reader wishes to pursue any specific theme in more detail, specifically in relation to corporate, business or organisational issues, or in relation to my books, then the reader is invited to send an off-line email with a request. A prompt response is promised. I hope you enjoy this blog - sometimes informed, sometimes amused and sometimes empassioned. Welcome and enjoy.
JJJ

11 March 2014


Communicating policy

Just because you communicate a new policy, don't assume that it will be understood the way you intended. There are many barriers to effective communications, some of which include:
  • Language used - is it common to the recipient (not only is it English, Chinese, French, etc.) but is it technically on the same wave-length as the recipient? Do they understand the jargon? 
  • Attention - is the communication going to capture the attention of the receiver? If you are sending a message about a new policy in the middle of the busy season, or when the production line collapsed, or you are in the middle of a major industrial dispute; then how much attention can you reasonably expect receivers to give?
  • Relevance - why should they pay attention? If it's not relevant to the receiver, then why should they bother? 
  • Right and left brain - some people prefer detail while others are very comfortable in the abstract. If the communication isn't pitched correctly, it will either 'bore them' or 'lose them'.
History
 
Learn from your communications history. What has worked well in the organisation during past changes and what hasn't?
Although past methods may need to be modified for the new context, don't commit the same errors that occurred before.
Change agents, Champions and policy advocates
 
Sometimes people don't like to be told. Those types of people and some types of communications can often be more effectively delivered through change agents, champions and policy advocates.
Quality
 
When you communicate, regardless of the format (verbal, visual, etc.) ensure that it is technically correct. Poorly delivered communications undermine a policy's legitimacy and draws attention to managers' capability. "If they can't get the spelling right, then what chance have they got of implementing this difficult policy that requires an acute eye for detail?"
Consistency
 
There is nothing worse than getting two communications with different details.
To avoid this occurring, ensure that all formal communications are channelled through one person or one group of people to ensure consistency and accuracy.
A robust review and approval process is almost always warranted.

Labels: ,

0 Comments :

Post a Comment

Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]

<< Home