In the sandwich position
But because we humans are the way we are and like to stick to what we know, change processes often encounter resistance that needs to be overcome. Managers have a key role to play here. They are both the addressees and mediators of change. The situation referred to as the sandwich position vividly conveys the situation of managers. Between the top management and the team, they have to fulfil the objectives and manage them operationally. Regardless of whether there are any reservations and whether the team reacts with resistance.
What’s in it for me?
Managers therefore play a decisive role in any serious change in a company. They are the ones who can lead their employees – and ultimately the entire company – to “new shores”. However, many managers have not yet recognised their potential and rely on messages on the intranet to “get it done”. But they are the real, effective force for winning over, supporting and inspiring people with empathy and good communication. The author Dr Travis Bradberry already knew this: “People don’t leave their jobs, they leave their managers.”
However, in order to fulfil this role, it is imperative that managers master the skills required for good communication. This is because it is important for successful change that it is clearly communicated why which tasks need to be fulfilled and what the employees gain from this:
- What is the goal?
- Why are we doing this?
- What’s in it for me?
A successful communicator is someone who knows how to communicate strategies and objectives empathetically at eye level and motivate the target group to think along and think ahead. It’s not just “what do I say”, but also “how do I say it” that is crucial.
New skills for a contemporary management culture
The good news is that many companies have already begun to rethink leadership communication. They have realised that it is no longer enough to simply communicate messages in more and more channels, but that person-to-person communication is invaluable. Coaching sessions, workshops and series events are suitable formats for developing and expanding the skills for a modern understanding of leadership, which should then also be extended digitally.
Our experts support managers in developing and expanding their communication skills – empathetically, individually and personally. Feel free to contact us.
