TOP TIPS: Six ways to communicate effectively during a merger
High-impact communication during a merger can win trust, build commitment and keep employees focused on the job. This article explains how to handle internal communications during a company merger.
The following six tips provide a guide to what's involved in delivering successful merger communication.
1. Research your audience
Ask them what they want to know and how they wish to be communicated with. An executive from the manufacturing sector reflected, "Communication in my first three mergers was focused on telling, not listening. In the fourth, we used focus groups and one-to-one interviews to collect employee input. We decreased staff-turnover and improved productivity."
Senior leaders should communicate as much information as they know, as soon as they know it.
2. Communicate clear and consistent messages
Merger communication should be focused on achieving employee understanding and acceptance of the reasons for the merger. Senior leaders should communicate as much information as they know, as soon as they know it. Allowing too much time to pass between communication efforts allows doubt and rumor to fester.
3. Consider specific communication for key talent
High-performing employees, particularly from the acquired company, need to be told about how important they are to the new, merged organization. Without this reassurance, they may assume the worst and seek employment elsewhere.
Allowing too much time to pass between communication efforts allows doubt and rumor to fester.
Executives should model the required behaviors. A strong leader is a vital requirement of a successful merger. The task of articulating a strong vision for the future is not something that can be delegated. Allowing leaders to become aloof or inaccessible provides a fertile environment for rumors to spread, which affects employee focus and productivity.
5. Train and support managers in face-to-face communication
While most organizations today depend on electronic media to communicate quickly and efficiently, the power of face-to-face communication during a time of major change should not be underestimated. It's also important to identify who should be involved.
6. Monitor communication effectiveness
Use listening tactics to check that communication is meeting its objectives and make modifications wherever necessary.
First published by Melcrum in 2002.
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