The 4Ps of Change Communication

Sharing information with employees on an ongoing basis is critical to organizational success.  But in many organizations, things are either a secret or a crisis.  With today’s technological advancements, leaders can distribute a lot information to employees within a very short span of time. But when it comes to communicating change to employees, the approach has to be a little more structured in order to inform those who need to know, and to get their buy-in for the change.

Therefore, the 4 Ps of Change Communication may come in handy for you.

1.  State the Purpose for the Change—Why we have to do this

2.  Paint A Picture—What it will look and feel like when the goal is reached

3.  Specify the Plan—Step by step describing what action needs to be taken

4.  Clarify the Employee’s Part—What the employee can and needs to do to help move the plan forward

The 4Ps:  Purpose, Picture, Plan, Part. Using the Ps will help you to keep employees informed in a timely fashion about changes that may have an impact on them and/or may have implications for their work.