25/10/2026
Communicating about change isn't hard ... it's a matter of putting people right in the centre of your strategy and planning. And if you remember these six things, you'll be on the right track!
1. Reactance is natural. People like change when they're in control; but not when it feels like it's being forced upon them. This is where co-design is key.
2. Parade your elephants. They're in the room, so you might as well talk about them! And people's brains are constantly scanning for threats, so address the messy stuff upfront.
3. Honour the past. There can be a sense of grief with some changes, and losses hurt more than equal gains feel good. So acknowledge what's been before moving on to what will be.
4. People want answers. Our brains hate uncertainty, and in the absense of information, people will make their own assumptions ... which aren't always accurate. Acknowledge what you don't know yet, and be clear on what you do know.
5. People want to feel heard. That doesn't mean they always get their way; but if you take the time to listen, play it back, and explain your decision, it can go a long way.
6. Change means different things to different people. There's no 'one-size-fits-all' approach, so you need to tailor your channel, voice, and message and align the effort with the impact.
What else would you add to this list, Change Pros?
