Communicate change with confidence

Who this is for

Founder led lower-middle market companies with 5 to 50 million in annual revenue that are introducing new tools, structures, or policies.

The quick answer

Explain why now, what is changing, what is not, who is affected, and how success helps customers and the team. Share a simple timeline, a Q and A, and where to ask questions. Use managers as the first line. Close the loop fast with updates and show early wins so people see progress.

The method in seven steps

Write the message map
Five boxes. Why now. What changes. What does not. Who is affected. What success looks like for customers and for the team.
Publish a one page announcement
Plain language. Include the timeline and the next steps. Link to the Q and A and the feedback channel.
Equip managers first
Give managers talking points, a short deck, and three common questions with answers. Ask them to run team huddles within forty eight hours.
Open the questions channel
Provide one place to ask and see answers. Respond within two business days. Group repeat questions into the Q and A.
Show early wins
Within two weeks share a small proof that the change helps. A faster cycle, fewer errors, or a customer note.
Report progress at set intervals
Weekly updates at first. Move to monthly when the change stabilises. Be honest about what is working and what is not.
Close with a review
After one quarter capture lessons learned and what you will do next time.

Example

A distributor announced a new quoting process with a one page note and a Q and A. Managers ran huddles within two days. Errors dropped in the first month and people accepted the change faster.

Pitfalls and fixes

Announcing by email only. Equip managers to explain and listen.
Hiding the hard parts. Say what is not changing and where there will be bumps.
No updates. Share progress on a set rhythm.

Checklist

Message map and one page announcement
Manager kit and huddle schedule
Q and A and questions channel
Early wins identified
Weekly then monthly updates