Consultation & Communication

These words are often used inter-changeably but their meaning is quite different.   Communication is providing people with information in a way that they can understand it.   In the context of a change program, once the direction and extent of change is decided, a communication strategy reduces anxiety by delivering clear consistent messages to staff relating to the reason for change, and how it will (or will not) affect them.  It may also inform them of services available for helping them through the change.

On the other hand, consultation is about involving people in decision-making beforing the direction and extent of change are finalised.    Because these people have been part of the decision-making process they are committed to implementing the change and become natural change leaders.    Consultation is extremely important when employees are doing complex work and are required to exercise discretion over how this work is done.  

Change & Perform Consultation services include:

• Participative Workshops - These are most commonly used for Planning but can also be used to resolve differences across a group of people who need to work together, to develop innovative work practices, or any other purpose when the participants need to be committed to the success of the group
• Staff Satisfaction Surveys
• Customer Satisfaction Surveys
• Focus Groups (for identifying change issues)
• Interviews with stakeholders before their involvement in a workshop to ensure their important issues are discussed at the workshop
• Accepting calls or emails on an anonymous hot-line and identifying change issues identified
• Values workshops - that commit individuals to behaviours consistent with these values

Change & Perform Communication services include:

• Production of Staff Newsletters or Intranet articles
• Supporting Executives by providing content for staff presentations
• Design and assistance with early implementation of a Team Briefing program for ensuring that all employees get the same information about changes

Typical Projects in Consultation and Communication                                         More about Consultation and Communication