Introducing a change management practice to VMA GROUP has been a natural progression of our existing business specialisms. Our Principal Consultant, Deborah Le, specialises in the appointment of internal communications and change communications professionals for interim and contract roles.
In the 7 years that Deborah has worked at VMA GROUP she has always witnessed a high demand for change communications professionals. The ever-changing world of business means that organisational transformations are essential to capture efficiencies and thus remain competitive. Whether that be a regulation change, IT change, cultural change, or merger or acquisition, employing a change communication professional is a part fundamental to a transformation.
Transformation success and effective communication go hand in hand. One of the most difficult, yet most important, part of any change is getting people on board with it. The key to deliver successful change and sustain it in the long-term is rooted within shifting mindsets and behaviour. A strategy that effectively communicates a convincing reason for the change to stakeholders and explains how it will benefit them and the wider organisation is vital to do so.
Spending time with employees to introduce them to new concepts and skills, keeping them informed of the changes taking place and advising them how their day-to-day duties will be impacted, will help ease the process and reduce uncertainty.
Sharing this information via the most suitable channel for the workforce in question, whether that be intranet, podcasts, townhalls, social media, newsletters or emails, for example, is also an important factor to get right.
Change communication is not something to be overlooked in the transformation process. Having a shared vision across your organisation will bring longevity and success to the project and ultimately bring greater efficiency in the long-run.
Are you a change communications professional seeking a new role? Here are Deborah’s top 3 tips for you:
1. Have good examples of previous change comms experience on your CV. Make sure you’re clear on what the change was, what you delivered, and share the outcome.
2. Most change comms roles require an immediate or imminent start. Make sure your availability is clear on your CV, especially if you have already finished a role - it’s important to have an end date.
3. Continue networking. Whether it’s maintaining relationships with recruitment consultancies like VMA GROUP, ex-employers or meeting other IC professionals at networking events.
If your organisation is going through a transformation and seeking a change communications professional, please contact Deborah today:
