What are the steps for communication during change?

• A. Identify stakeholders and track their emails
• B. Identify stakeholders, identify stakeholder interests, and tailor communication to stakeholders
• C. Draft a single message for all audiences
• D. Communicate only after changes are implemented

Answer: (B)

Effective change communication centers on knowing who will be affected and what matters to them, so messages can be crafted to address their specific concerns. The best approach includes two key steps: identify all stakeholders and determine their interests, then tailor the communication to each group. This makes the information relevant, helps anticipate resistance, and supports adoption by addressing what each audience needs to hear, through the right channels and at the right times.

Tracking emails or channels alone doesn’t ensure the message resonates; it focuses on delivery but not the substance that different groups care about. Drafting a single message for everyone ignores varying concerns, roles, and impacts. And waiting to communicate until after changes are made misses the opportunity to prepare people, reduce surprises, and gather feedback during the transition. In short, effective change communication starts with stakeholders and their interests and then customizes messages accordingly.