
I recently had the pleasure of delivering a keynote speech at Toyota’s Women’s Business Resource Group, and let me tell you—it was an absolute blast! As I went through my presentation, a few slides really resonated with the audience. Phones came out, notes were flying, and the energy in the room was electric.
One of the highlights of my talk was a slide on how to communicate effectively during a change initiative. It sparked so much interest that I knew I had to share these insights here with you. These are the same strategies I use with my executive coaching clients to help them navigate change with clarity and confidence.
Here are the three communication techniques that stood out:
1. Clear Messaging
Change can feel overwhelming, but your communication doesn’t have to. Here’s how to keep your messaging clear and impactful:
- Know Your Audience: Tailor your message to fit the needs of your team. For example, your frontline employees don’t need a full CFO report. Break it down into digestible, relevant points.
- Simplify and Streamline: Avoid information overload. Share only the most pertinent details for your audience.
- Use Multiple Channels: Whether it’s Slack, Zoom, email, or team meetings, leverage the right platform to ensure everyone stays informed.
💡 Pro Tip: Clarity isn’t just about what you say—it’s also about how you say it. Reaching your team where they are builds trust and ensures the message lands.
2. Active Listening (or Mindful Listening)
We had some fun with this one during the keynote! There’s a common misconception that active listening is all about nodding or reacting physically. But real active listening goes much deeper.
- Be Present: Truly tune in to what the other person is saying, including the emotions behind their words.
- Ask Open-Ended Questions: Create space for your team to share their challenges or ideas. For example, ask, “What’s the biggest hurdle you’re facing right now, and how can I support you?”
- Show Empathy: Acknowledge that change is hard. You don’t need to solve every problem immediately, but showing that you care makes a big difference.
💬 When someone feels heard, they’re more likely to stay engaged and open to navigating the challenges of change.
3. Consistent Updates
One of the most common struggles leaders face is how to keep their teams informed—especially when there’s nothing new to report. Here’s why consistency matters:
- Be Transparent: It’s okay to say, “I don’t have an update right now, but I’ll keep you posted.” Transparency builds trust and keeps communication lines open.
- Acknowledge Challenges: Share any delays or hurdles your team might face. For example, “The vendor missed the deadline, so we’re pushing this project back by two weeks.”
- Maintain Credibility: Even when higher-ups keep changing directions, focus on what you do know and what your team can do in the meantime.
🗣 A Story to Share: During the keynote, I talked about a client who struggled with feeling like a “middle manager.” She felt caught between her leadership team and her own team. Together, we worked on finding the balance between honesty and maintaining credibility. The result? Her team trusted her more and felt empowered to keep moving forward despite uncertainties.
Putting It All Together
Change is hard, but as leaders, it’s our responsibility to guide our teams with clarity, empathy, and consistency. Whether it’s tailoring your message, truly listening, or keeping everyone in the loop, these strategies can transform the way you lead through change.
I hope these tips help you as much as they’ve helped my clients and the amazing group at Toyota’s Women’s Business Resource Group.
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Let’s continue this conversation—what’s your biggest challenge when it comes to leading through change? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Until next time,
