The second most critical communication failure in major changes

The controversy over Australia’s new vaping laws offers a dramatic lesson for anyone looking to introduce a complex change.

Sometimes the change crashes and burns (pardon the pun) because communication is missing in action.

In other cases, leaders charge ahead and make a big announcement before all the ducks are lined up - creating havoc for everyone affected by the change.

That seems to be the case with our vaping situation. News about changes to the way vapes are sold was released with great fanfare, but the key stakeholders appear a long way from getting on board.

Squabbles between regulators and strong opposition from pharmacies heralded a rocky start to the new legislation, which continues to attract headlines for all the wrong reasons.

What can you take from this and apply in your organisation?

Communication and operational decisions need to go hand in hand. Make a key decision without properly communicating about it and you’ll almost certainly alienate those impacted.

But equally, communicate it as a fait accompli before the logistics are at least on the way to being sorted, and you’ll have a big mess on your hands.

Your best course of action? Bringing those affected in early, explain your intentions and work with them to create a workable solution.

Trying to please everyone is a shortcut to crazy – but so is trying to push through without involving your major stakeholders.

In the Credible Leader series, Dr Neryl East shares her take on the credibility of leaders in the spotlight. Neryl is a speaker, facilitator and adviser who helps organizations develop credible leaders and connect teams.