The importance of a good communications strategy is frequently underestimated when organizations are undergoing a major transformation. In the upheavals involved in a restructuring, downsizing, merger or business expansion, executives may overlook the need to keep employees informed about what is going on and the likely impact on their jobs or may just impose the changes on staff without giving them the opportunity to raise concerns or questions. Similarly, suppliers and customers may be kept in the dark about the organizational changes taking place, at least until they are complete. This is almost invariably a mistake; a good communications strategy is an important change lever that can help ensure that any major organizational transformation can be implemented as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
