Communication is key: Unlocking Success Through Clear and Effective Communication

Keturah Charlesworth Author

Effective communication isn’t just a “nice-to-have” in projects, quality management, or organisational change—it’s the magic key that unlocks success.

From rallying stakeholders at the start to ensuring smooth rollouts and reflecting on outcomes, clear and purposeful communication is the golden thread that holds everything together. Whether you're preparing for an upcoming NDIS audit, tackling your next improvement activity, or implementing a new process or system, communication really is a critical contributor to success.

But what happens when communication goes wrong?

Did you ever play the game ‘telephone’ as a kid? It’s where someone whispers a message into the next person’s ear, and as the message is whispered from person to person it transforms into something completely unrecognisable from the original quote. What starts as “Plan a celebration for hitting our goals” might end as “plan a salad station for filling our bowls” – perhaps not the worst idea ever (I mean, who doesn’t love a good salad) but it’s a far cry from the original plan. Or consider the frustration of sitting through yet another meeting that “could have been an email.” These examples may be a bit light-hearted, but they highlight some of the real pitfalls of poor communication.

Let’s dive into why communication matters at every stage of a project or initiative and how you can use it to drive success.

The Role of Communication Across Key Stages

1. Before the Project or Initiative Starts

At the outset, communication is about setting the stage. Failing to communicate effectively at this stage can lead to:

• Lack of buy-in: Stakeholders resist what they don’t understand.
• Missed opportunities: Subject matter experts may have valuable insights but won’t contribute if they aren’t engaged.
• Misalignment: Without a clear picture, people may pull in different directions.

Start strong by sharing the “why” behind the initiative. Explain the goals, invite input, and ensure everyone understands their role.

2. During the Project or Initiative

Communication during a project keeps it on track and builds momentum. Here’s why it’s essential:

• Maintaining focus: Regular updates ensure everyone remains aligned with the goals.
• Avoiding roadblocks: Open communication channels mean issues can be flagged and resolved quickly.
• Building engagement: People feel valued and motivated when they’re kept in the loop.

Prioritise two-way communication. Host check-ins, share progress, and actively seek feedback. It’s better to over-communicate than leave people guessing.

3. Implementation and Rollout

This is the “make or break” phase. Without effective communication:

• Adoption suffers: Unclear expectations lead to inconsistent implementation.
• Confusion reigns: Teams may misinterpret or misapply changes.
• Frustration builds: If stakeholders feel ignored, resistance grows.

Plan ahead with clear, practical communication. Offer step-by-step guidance, clarify expectations, and provide support to ensure a smooth rollout.

4. Post-Implementation and Feedback

Once the change is live, communication remains critical. Ignoring this stage risks:

• Missed opportunities: Feedback fuels continuous improvement.
• Unnoticed issues: Without communication, problems can fester.
• Broken trust: Stakeholders need to see their contributions valued.

Close the loop with a thorough debrief. Share outcomes, ask for feedback, and outline next steps to foster trust and improvement.

Now that we've covered some of the perfect moments to engage with your audience, let's get down to some tips to create the right communication, in the right format, for the right people.

Creating the Best Communication for your Audience

Key Communication Considerations

To make communication truly effective, think about these aspects:

• Accessibility: Ensure your messages are clear and inclusive for everyone, considering different languages and accessibility needs.
• Format: Choose the right medium—email, meeting, infographic—for each message.
• Timing: Share updates at the right time to keep momentum without overwhelming people.
• Two-way flow: Encourage feedback and dialogue to keep stakeholders engaged.

Identifying and Engaging Key Stakeholders

Knowing your audience is the cornerstone of impactful communication. Your stakeholders might include:

• Internal teams: Focus on roles, tasks, and progress updates.
• External partners: Share milestones and collaboration opportunities.
• Customers or clients: Highlight how changes benefit them.
• Senior leaders: Provide concise summaries and spotlight wins.

Tailor your communication to each group’s needs and priorities to keep everyone invested.

Practical Tips to Elevate Communication

Ready to take your communication strategy to the next level? Here are some actionable tips:

1. Plan Ahead: Map out key messages and timing with a communication calendar.
2. Use the Right Tools: Leverage project management software to centralise updates.
3. Collaborate Early: Involve stakeholders from the beginning to build trust.
4. Monitor and Refine: Regularly assess how well your communication is working and adjust as needed.

Wrapping up...

Communication isn’t just about sharing information—it’s about building trust, fostering collaboration, and driving success. Whether you’re managing a project, prepping for your NDIS audit, leading a change initiative, or improving processes, thoughtful and purposeful communication can make all the difference.

Want to sharpen your communication skills? Start by identifying your key stakeholders, tailoring your messages, and embracing a two-way flow of dialogue. By following the tips in this blog, you can make communication the superpower behind your success!

Categories: : Change Management, Communication