Exploring three types of change and how to handle them

Sometimes the shift is as small as moving from one email client to another. Other times, it’s a change at the top of the C-suite. But regardless of the size of the change, an organization’s employees are going to react and communicators need to be on top of it.

During Ragan’s Future of Communications Conference, Lauren Stephens, executive director of internal communicators at MGM Resorts International, told the audience that communicators can get a hold on change management comms by focusing on emotional responses and behavioral adaptation rather than just tools and timelines.

“Change management isn’t just about the project,” Stephens said. “It’s about understanding how people react and guiding them through that reaction.”

Stephens added that comms pros need to be aware that change comes in different forms, which requires different communication angles.