Multiple Channels Multiple Times
I’ve just been reading about the frustrations of a Human Resources manager. He’s tired of having to answer the same questions about benefits over and over again.I understand that, having been on both sides of the issue, both as a consumer of benefits and in communicating about them on behalf of corporate clients. Benefits can be the slippery eels of internal communication.But, to put the issue into context, this is another case of complex communication. In this case, a large volume of information that’s not easy to understand.Descriptions of benefits typically involve a high level of density: in other words, they contain a lot of information in a small amount of ’space’. Many of them resemble insurance policies — long on legal language and short on examples and anecdotes. As a result, the information is accessible to only a small proportion of the whole group.How do you deal with this kind of communication challenge? Multiple channels, multiple times. That means repeating the message many times, and sending it through as many different channels as possible.For example, when one of my clients changed its benefits package to offer more choices, it used this strategy. Collectively, the overall value of the benefits would work out the same for the company. But, individual employees would have to make choices, and in many cases the value of the individual benefits they received would depend on how wisely they made their decisions. In turn, that could lead to the equivalent of ‘buyer’s remorse’ and complaints.The company took a proactive approach to the changeover. It began planning well in advance of the switch, and its preparations included the equivalent of focus groups to identify concerns, questions, and problems.Then, in the month or so before the changeover, it began communicating on several fronts. It held information sessions with employees, it sent each employee an information package, it sent out a special edition of its newsletter, it offered in-house computer programs for calculations and enrollment, and it offered appointments with benefits personnel if employees felt they needed individual counselling.Employees got the information in several formats, and at several different times, greatly increasing the odds that most of them would make informed decisions.The odds that they would understand their choices went up because of different learning styles. And, needless to say, their ability to learn varies from time to time.Some people learn best by reading (and you may be one of them since you’re reading this article). Others may learn more effectively by listening, while yet others do best when they act in some way (like using a computer program).Similarly, you may not be receptive to new information about a benefits program right now because you’re focused on an important meeting later today. Or perhaps you’ll be more interested in the subject after you talk with a friend and colleague at lunch tomorrow.By using multiple channels and multiple times, we provide our readers/listeners/participants with several different learning options. That, in turn, means we increase the odds there will be a time and method that’s optimal for them.
About The Author
Robert F. Abbott writes and publishes Abbott’s Communication Letter. Each week subscribers receive, at no charge, a new communication tip that helps them lead or manage more effectively. Click here for more information: http://www.CommunicationNewsletter.comabbottr@managersguide.com
Previous Articles Highlighter:
How To Change Your Car39s Motor Oil By Stephen Bucaro (1)
One thing that I do is change a new cars oil after the first 300 mile break-in period. Then, after that, I change the oil every 6,000 miles. What kind of oil should I use?
What 8 (2)
Devoting a few hours a week to completing this task is money well spent if it ensures that even half of your outstanding invoices are paid a couple of weeks earlier.
What Is A Secured Loan (3)
Usually these assets take the form of property, such as a home; this is why secured loans are often referred to as 'homeowner loans', “home loans”, ”secured personal loans” or “second charge loans”.
Where Is Our Largest Technological Plan (4)
e-Security (Federal, State, Country, homes) 09. e-Elections 10. TV telephony 11. e-Police 12. e-Government (all between the government and the Citizens) 13. e-Theater 14. e-Conferences 15.
Never Get Lost Again - Map Reading Is A Thing Of The Past By Niall Kennedy (5)
I often had problems finding my way, even with detailed instructions. I spent as much time parked and reading maps than I did driving.Then I bought a RoadMate and within hours I felt I would never get lost again.
BOOK REVIEW Performance Of Financial Institutions Efficiency Innovation Regulation By Patrick T Harker And Stavros A Zenios (6)
I personally found the chapter on “What Makes a Bank Efficient?” very useful and there are other aspects to the book that provide useful data to relevant parties involved in the financial services industry.Overall I believe the text is useful for students carrying out an MBA on finance since it provides useful data on the efficiency of financial institutions.
Virtual Assistance Higher Productivity (7)
Whether you are a home-based business who needs a website developed, a small business that is looking for a way out from under the paperwork or are part of a large corporation that has an extra assignment that no one seems to have time to do, a Virtual Assistant can be the answer to your problems.
The Art Of Being Specific Encourages Focus (8)
I wanted Rothline Entertainment to start out big; offering video games, movies on DVD, card and board games, and anything remotely related to entertainment. My ideas were overwhelming and deciding where to start was difficult.Like any new business with a limited budget I needed to start small, be specific, and be focused.
5 Things You Must Do To Fail In Business (9)
It is not easy to define what makes a business succeed, but it is easy to describe what makes a business fail. If you are starting your business or currently being miserably unsuccessful, you might want to read on.No doubt that most entrepreneurs want to succeed in business and I wont argue that failing is on the top of the do list for anyone.
Why And How To Work With A Consultant (10)
Adding the services of a consultant can make a difference when time or human resource constraints would otherwise mean a lost revenue, market, promotion, or funding opportunity.Know your limitations and expect a consultant to know theirs.
Tips For FirstTime Homebuyers (11)
(NC)—Near record low interest rates are opening the doors of homeownership for many Canadians. "This may be the perfect time to consider purchasing a home," says Gail Kassie, Director, Mortgages and Home Financing Products, BMO Bank of Montreal.
9 Things You Must Do To Maximize Your Chances Of Obtaining A Small Business Loan (12)
You will need to present quality financial information from your accounting software, preferably signed off by your accountant or tax advisor.7. Latest Set of Management accounts. Again produced from your accounting software.8.
High Interest Rate Auto Loans (13)
While a refinance or equity loan on your home does offer tax benefits, we’re only talking about interest on $5,000 over the course of 2 years. I have another idea you may not have considered.
Are You Set Up For Success (14)
There is another intangible, YOU! Add your own personality to your business and let it grow.Here’s to you and your success. Today, not tomorrow!2004 © Born-Again Bargainshttp://www.bornagainbargains.comCraig Binkley – husband, father and home business owner assisting in the restoration of the “traditional” family through home business ownership.http://www.bornagainbargains.com
Show Your Prospects How Much Enthusiasm You Have For Your Product And Business (15)
You could publish an article, write an ebook, etc.Over 40,000 Free eBooks & Web Books when you visit: http://www.ldpublishing.com As a bonus, Bob Osgoodby publishes the free weekly "Your Business" Newsletter - visit his web site to subscribe and place a FREE Ad!
Internet Provides Wealth Of Information On Car Maintenance By ARA Content (16)
"On the Internet, auto owners can research the advantages of various products, compare prices and make decisions in the comfort of their own home," says White. Sears also offers a wide variety of merchandise and services through its Web site, www.sears.com.
Business Partners Marital Partners Will The Marriage Survive Part 2 (17)
It can be a very rewarding experience. Think carefully, and ask yourself a lot of self-searching questions before you begin.Copyright 2000, DeFiore Enterprises.Interested in having your own successful, home based creative real estate investing business?
Why Choose A Secured Loan (18)
Lenders can be more flexible when it comes to secured loans, making a secured loan possible when you may have been turned down for an unsecured loan. Secured loans are also worth considering if you need a new car, or need to make home improvements, or take that luxury holiday of a lifetime.Because a secured loan is secured on property, most lenders will approve your loan even if you have a history of adverse credit such as county court judgements (C.C.J’s), defaults and arrears.This make secured loans very attractive to people who would otherwise not qualify for a loan from their local bank.
Avoiding Credit Card Traps (19)
It’s that small, folded paper written in legalese that you promise to read some other time (but of course that time never comes) or you just discard it with the other “junk” inserts.
3 Tips For A Great Summer Developing Life Business While Having A Blast (20)
Keep in mind that the best most memorable moments are not expensive.2- Create a simple consistent plan of action- Let me stress simple and consistent. Choose your summer schedule.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
The Best Things In Life Are Rarely Things (1)
Keep smilin’You have permission to publish this article electronically or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated - send to: GregReid@AlwaysGood.comAbout The AuthorGregory Scott ReidGregReid@AlwaysGood.comSpeaker and two-time #1 best-selling author,The Millionaire Mentor and Wake Up: Live the Life You Lovewww.AlwaysGood.comGregReid@AlwaysGood.com
Drivers Of SUVs Saving Big Money With Diesel Engines By ARA Content (2)
(ARA) - Half of all American vacationers on the road this year are driving gas guzzling SUVs and pickup trucks, according to a new survey on driving habits from research firm MarketFacts.
Bankruptcy Basics (3)
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and Chapter 13 are legal proceedings that are available to a person to cope with a financial crisis. Personal bankruptcy must be filed in a federal bankruptcy court.
Retreads The Highest And Best Use For A Worn Tire By ARA Content (4)
When you add these savings into the natural resources that are saved and the positive impact this has on the environment, using retreads is a win, win solution for both the transportation industry and the environment," said Martin Bozarth, executive director of the International Tire & Rubber Association.
South Beach Diet Effects On Sales (5)
In 2003, Kraft had already begun its campaign for encouraging healthier lifestyles, offering the consumers low-calorie, reduced carbs products.Beer producers try hard to regain the lost ground because of the diet's claim that the beer contains carbohydrates, its consumption leading to “beer bellies”.
After The Sale By Kevin Schappell (6)
Get used to operating the heating/AC controls and the radio so you do not have to fumble around and risk an accident while on the highway. Pop the hood and find the oil filler cap, the oil dipstick.
Smart Choices How To Hire The Best (7)
If you are the one doing the interviewing, effective interviewing and selection needs to be a structured, well-planned process. Here are a few tips to get you started.Before the interview:Know what you need.
Your Administration TeamLook After Them (8)
She was a single parent and therefore had major responsibilities. She had a life too. Her boss on the other hand was fortunate to have a a wife who didn't work and took care of their personal life.
Writing One Or Two Line Ads (9)
2) You don't need to write a book. Simply tell the people about your offer, but make it tweak their curiosity. We'll talk more about this later. When I read ads, I scan them to get the 'jist' of the ad.
Are Mortgages A Risky Business (10)
A great number of people went to the bank to withdraw their savings. Those that represented the first few % of the total deposit had no problem. When the percentage rose to 6%, which in this case was the amount decided by “the owner of the box”, the rumour became fact in that there was no cash to pay out to depositors.
The 8 Biggest Mistakes When Designing Portfolios And How To Avoid Them (11)
As a result, balance tax and investment considerations, but remember that suitability and appropriateness of an investment take precedence over tax consequences. Never hold an inappropriate investment.8. CONFUSING DIVERSIFICATION WITH ASSET ALLOCATION.
New Energy Bill Reducing Our Dependence On Foreign Oil (12)
economy and the stock market may well be shaped more by decisions made in Moscow, Riyadh, and Vienna rather than being determined by the decisions made at home. Notes: This report is for information purposes only.
Your Worst Enemy To Successful Investing The Media (13)
Again, maybe not. However, I can tell you that, using this methodology, my clients and I followed the sell signal we got in October, 2000, and were safely invested in solid money markets when the stock market crashed and burned.
Networking Tips Getting An 8 (14)
To see how, visit http://www.homebusinesssolutions.com for the latest FREE tips and tricks, educational products and coaching in creative real estate investing and home based businesses. No time to visit the site?
Workplace Fitness A Gym Full Of Useful Advice For Continual Learning (15)
I finally took a spinning class. This class uses a stationery bike that can be adjusted to tighten or loosen the gears. I can literally feel like I am pedaling up Mt.
Business After The Iraqi War (16)
While the majority consensus is that the economy will eventually recover, it is apparent that this will definitely take more time and effort than what most people had originally predicted.Carlos T.
18 Tips For Saving Money On Gasoline By Fisher Swanson (17)
There is no need to rev before you turn your vehicle off. 15. If at all possible, try to arrange car pools with co-workers to share the cost of commuting to work.
Ten Tips To Get Started Writing Your Book (18)
Test your book's significance. While most writers fear their book won't sell, it takes only two significances to write a book, and three for a great seller. Ask yourself, Is it relevant?
Your Organization Is Only As Good As Your People (19)
I know a number of people who have done just that. They left jobs with good pay and high prestige because the atmospheric pressure was just too high. On the other hand, people will be loyal to an organization when they feel respect and friendship, even if the pay is low.Render Unto CaesarOf course, the primary focus of every group must be on fulling the purpose of the organization.
You Deserve To Retire Early (20)
Why do I know that? I know that, because I firmly believe that I have something to offer. I know that, because I started this work with the steadfast desire to write a book that will have such impact.