Perfect Phrases for Communicating Change

Perfect Phrases for Communicating Change

by Lawrence Polsky, Antoine Gerschel
Released February 2010
Publisher(s): McGraw-Hill
ISBN: 9780071738309

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Book description

THE RIGHT PHRASE FOR EVERY SITUATION . . . EVERY TIME

Employees respond to organizational change with worry, fear, and sometimes even panic. Your job is to keep them motivated and focused—so you must choose your words carefully during times of upheaval.

Perfect Phrases for Communicating Change has hundreds of ready-to-use phrases for ensuring your employees make the transition with clarity, commitment, and skill. Learn the most effective language for:

  • Articulating new company initiatives
  • Responding to questions with confidence
  • Easing employees' fears
  • Clarifying roles and responsibilities
  • Addressing resistance and performance problems

Praise for Perfect Phrases for Communicating Change

"Perfect Phrases for Communicating Change is a wonderful book, filled with practical, solid advice, suggestions, and examples for how to communicate effectively in a time of change.”
John Krajicek, Executive Professor and Assistant Director of Business Communication Studies, Texas A&M University

"Communication during organizational change is everything. The right words at the right time can make all the difference between a successful and unsuccessful change initiative. This is a wonderful resource for finding the right words and sentiments to convey any type of change."
Robert J. Marshak, Ph.D., author of Covert Processes at Work: Managing the Five Hidden Dimensions of Organizational Change

“Finding the right words to communicate change is challenging, even for the best of managers. In this user-friendly text, Lawrence and Antoine provide hundreds of practical phrases to better prepare managers for the task. The book is rich with insightful suggestions on change messaging considerations and construction.”
Edward Ferris, Assistant Professor, The New School for Management and Urban Policy

"In my over 20 years of running companies and corporate divisions I have seen a direct correlation between the quality of communication of my managers and their success in the business world. If you aspire to be an effective, efficient, and productive leader then I highly recommend this book. It is an outstanding reference guide and road map for pragmatic yet inspirational communication techniques."
Mitch Pisik, President and CEO, Breckwell Products

Table of contents

  1. Cover Page
  2. Perfect Phrases™ for Communicating Change
  3. Copyright Page
  4. Contents
  5. Acknowledgments
  6. Chapter 1 Laying the Foundation for Communicating Change
    1. Launch Phase of Change
    2. Execution Phase of Change
    3. Sustain Phase of Change
    4. Balancing Information, Emotions, and Action
    5. Three Common Mistakes Leaders Make When Communicating Change
    6. Communicating Change Virtually
    7. Best Practices
    8. Easy-to-Use Checklist for Change Messages
  7. Chapter 2 Perfect Phrases for Communicating a New Organizational Structure
    1. Announcing Change
    2. Responding to Questions
    3. Overcoming Fear
    4. Creating Urgency
    5. Addressing Power Struggles and Career Issues
    6. Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities
    7. Communicating Individual Objectives
    8. Empowering Employees
    9. Keeping People Motivated
    10. Coaching Around Emotions
    11. Coaching for Skills
    12. Coaching for Flexibility and Adaptability
    13. Addressing Performance Problems
    14. Rallying Teams
  8. Chapter 3 Perfect Phrases for Communicating a New Project
    1. Announcing Change
    2. Responding to Questions
    3. Overcoming Fear
    4. Creating Urgency
    5. Addressing Power Struggles and Career Issues
    6. Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities
    7. Communicating Individual Objectives
    8. Empowering Employees
    9. Keeping People Motivated
    10. Coaching Around Emotions
    11. Coaching for Skills
    12. Coaching for Flexibility and Adaptability
    13. Addressing Performance Problems
    14. Rallying Teams
  9. Chapter 4 Perfect Phrases for Communicating as a New Leader
    1. Announcing Change
    2. Responding to Questions
    3. Overcoming Fear
    4. Creating Urgency
    5. Addressing Power Struggles and Career Issues
    6. Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities
    7. Communicating Individual Objectives
    8. Empowering Employees
    9. Keeping People Motivated
    10. Coaching Around Emotions
    11. Coaching for Skills
    12. Coaching for Flexibility and Adaptability
    13. Addressing Performance Problems
    14. Rallying Teams
  10. Chapter 5 Perfect Phrases for Communicating a New Organizational Strategy
    1. Announcing Change
    2. Responding to Questions
    3. Overcoming Fear
    4. Creating Urgency
    5. Addressing Power Struggles and Career Issues
    6. Clarifying Roles and Responsibilities
    7. Communicating Individual Objectives
    8. Empowering Employees
    9. Keeping People Motivated
    10. Coaching Around Emotions
    11. Coaching for Skills
    12. Coaching for Flexibility and Adaptability
    13. Addressing Performance Problems
    14. Rallying Teams
  11. Chapter 6 Perfect Phrases for Handling Resistance
    1. Structuring Your Phrases
    2. New Structure
    3. New Project
    4. New Leader
    5. New Strategy

Product information

  • Title: Perfect Phrases for Communicating Change
  • Author(s): Lawrence Polsky, Antoine Gerschel
  • Release date: February 2010
  • Publisher(s): McGraw-Hill
  • ISBN: 9780071738309