Change is never easy. Even when new systems are designed to simplify workflows or make day-to-day life easier, the reality is, people resist change.
That’s why change management exists. To help teams actively adopt and embrace new systems, processes or technologies. And while every successful change management plan includes strategy, training, and structure, what often gets overlooked is the unscripted part. The real-world, in-the-moment human interactions that shape the success of any project.
Using the chest-beating scene in The Wolf of Wall Street (if you’ve seen it) as an example. Matthew McConaughey’s now-iconic chant wasn’t originally part of the script. It was something spontaneous he did to focus himself before takes. Leonardo DiCaprio saw it and knew it had to be part of the film. The point is, you can have a perfect plan, but it’s often the unscripted communication, the real-time feedback, side conversations, and quick clarifications that keep a project moving forward.
At BR One, we’ve seen time and time again how great plans stall without the rhythm of good communication holding them together. In this blog, we’ll explore how effective communication contributes to successful change management and why it’s essential for minimising delays in any project. We’ll also dive into the role our team at BR One plays in cultivating this communication for a smooth transition.
How miscommunication breeds delays (when everyone plays a different tune)
Think of your business as an orchestra. Your employees are the musicians, and your processes and systems are the sheet music. While each musician may be fantastic at what they do, if they’re all reading different sheet music, the concert will only result in chaos.
Without clear communication between teams during times of change, people start to operate in silos. Imagine you’ve just signed off on a new tech system that promises to streamline operations and increase productivity. You’ve chosen a team to oversee the implementation, but as the project kicks off, you notice misalignments. Stakeholders aren’t on the same page, and your team is increasingly unsure about the next steps. Just like that, a project that should take six months is running over and burning through your budget.
The role of good communication during organisational change
More often than not, the implementation of a new tech system goes hand in hand with new ways of working. In turn, employees may become resistant or nervous, particularly those who’ve been used to working in a certain way for years. That’s why clear and constant communication becomes the glue that holds a project together.
But what do we mean when we talk about good communication? In times of organisational change, communication is about much more than email updates, video explainers and all-hands meetings. True communication is built on alignment between what you say and what you do. If your actions don’t match your words, no amount of slick presentations will win hearts or minds. Clear, consistent communication is about creating belief and trust in the change. That means:
- Setting expectations
Good communication sets expectations from the onset, so everyone is aware of what’s needed from them.
- Communicating the why
By communicating the why behind the change, employees feel less apprehensive and more engaged.
- Fostering collaboration
By fostering collaboration between teams, they become better equipped to problem-solve and innovate.
- Empowering employees
Empower employees by providing them with the knowledge and confidence they need to embrace new systems and workflows.
- Providing transparency
Good communication offers transparency, thereby ensuring everyone is aligned and there are no surprises that crop up along the way.
We always say, you could be implementing the most expensive, highest reviewed tech on the market, but without your team and employees embracing it, you won’t see the ROI you’re after. If people understand how the change will benefit them personally and professionally, they’re more likely to get on board.
BR One’s role in building bridges through communication
We’ve seen firsthand how a lack of communication can negatively impact a project before it’s even taken flight. That’s why, from day one, we make communication a core part of our strategy.
- We get everyone on the same page
One of our first steps when brought in on a change management project is to ensure all stakeholders are aligned. We work closely with your leadership team to establish goals and expectations, whilst verifying everyone knows the purpose of the change and the role they’ll play in making it happen.
- We build feedback loops
We believe in open communication at all levels of an organisation, not just top-down. That’s why we create channels for employees of all roles and functions to ask questions, raise concerns and offer feedback. This empowers them to take ownership of the change process and feel more confident throughout the journey.
- We provide timely and regular updates
Sending one email and hoping for the best? That’s not us. We provide regular updates to make sure no one is left in the dark. These updates help reduce uncertainty and allow everyone to stay on the same page. They can also be tailored to personal preference. We’ve had some clients requesting weekly progress reports, and others who preferred check-in meetings or transparent project dashboards.
- We provide training and ongoing support
A big barrier to effective communication during any transformation is not what’s said, but how it’s understood. We provide tailored training sessions that are engaging, practical and accessible, aimed at building confidence and certainty. We also offer ongoing support like refresher sessions or on-demand resources, so that your team feels supported throughout the change process and beyond.
- We celebrate wins and address challenges
Communication is an ongoing process that extends beyond the implementation phase. We work with your team long after to celebrate milestones and acknowledge challenges. Open dialogue post-implementation is just as important for success, as it helps users feel supported and motivated as they adapt to their new way of working.
To many, the term good communication might seem redundant. As humans, we communicate all the time, right? But think of it this way: why write a five-page essay when you were only asked for a paragraph? Good communication means less stress, fewer delays and greater success. When everyone moves to the same beat, change feels less like chaos and more like collaboration. So if you’re implementing a new tech or ERP system, remember that your plan can be flawless, but without clear and authentic communication, you’ll struggle to see real results.