It is often said that in business the only constant is change itself. As the pace of technological advancement and globalization quickens, it is important for communications professionals to understand the benefits and drawbacks of organizational change. We’ll show you how change can be positive.
The Benefits of Organizational Change
November 15, 2023
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A number of factors, including the rapid evolution of business models and the inevitability of change within organizations, demand that business leaders master the ins and outs of organizational change. Change can be brought on by a variety of things, including crisis, performance gaps, process improvements, new technology, new opportunities, mergers, acquisitions and more.
Weathering Organizational Change
As you pursue your masters in Communication Management, you will learn that the most vital skill in your toolbox as a leader is your ability and willingness to communicate. After all, weathering organizational change requires transparency, honest communication and leadership at every step. Some tips that can help leaders better guide their companies through change include:
- Find humor in the situation
- Talk about problems more than feelings
- Don’t stress out about stressing out
- Focus on your values, not your fear
- Accept the past but fight for the future
- Don’t expect stability
Taking these tips into account and ensuring others within the organization do the same can help make change a less painful process at all levels.
Communication Leadership and Managing Change
There are a number of strategies communication leaders can use to steer their organizations successfully through times of change. They include:
- Leading with the culture
- Starting at the top
- Involving every layer
- Making the emotional and rational case together
- Acting your way into new thinking
- Engaging at all levels
- Leading outside the lines
- Leveraging informal solutions
- Assessing and adapting
To learn more about top benefits and best practices surrounding organizational change, view the below infographic by the Master of Communication Management program at USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.