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Joy at Work!thechangedecision.comthechangedecision.com1The Change StoryA Tool for Communicating ChangeThe Change Story is a simple and effective reference tool for communicating information to stakeholders. You can use it to gather all the relevant information about an organizational change in one spot. Ideally, a team works together to answer all the questions on the next page. That way the whole team has an opportunity to clarify any important questions they have. And, through the process they create a common understanding of the change ahead.Other benefits:• It helps the team communicate consistently with stakeholders.• It’s a handy tool to keep with you and refer to when communicating with stakeholders.• The team can revisit and update the story as implementation of the change progresses and new decisions are made.1thechangedecision.com© 2020 The Change Decision
Joy at Work!thechangedecision.comThe Change StoryWhatWhy are we doing this work? What isn’t working? What’s the opportunity?WhyNowWhatHow WhenBenefitsWhat is changing? What are we doing? What are the facts? What don’t we know yet?What benefitsdo stakeholders get if we do this work and do it right?How will this happen? Are there different phases? How will we interact with stakeholders?When are the key milestones for this work? Is there a timeframe?What willstakeholders notice happening next?What do we know now and what are we ready to communicate about the change?
Joy at Work!thechangedecision.comThe Change StoryWhatWhy Benefits How When Now What QuestionsWhat’s changing? What isn’t changing? What are the facts? What don’t we know yet?Why are we doing this? What isn’t working today? What’s the opportunity?What benefits do stakeholders get if we do this and do this right?How will this happen? Are there different phases? How will we interact with our stakeholders?When are the key decisions or milestones for this change? Is there a timeframe?What will happen next? What will stakeholders notice? How will we keep them informed?What questions do we expect from others? What questions do we have now?Tips!• One of the best ways to start using this tool is by filling it out together as a team, preferably in a team gathering with someone leading the discussion and capturing what’s said in this document so that everyone can see it being updated live. Going through this process together helps everyone clarify and internalize the important aspects of the change.• Keep it with you as a reference for communicating with stakeholders. Note questions you get that you haven't answered here and share them with other team members.• Plan to revisit and revise the story periodically because things will change and you’ll learn more as the change progresses.Sample Template
Joy at Work!thechangedecision.comWhatWhat is changing? What are we doing? What are the facts? What don’t we know yet?WhyWhy are we doing this work? What isn’t working? What’s the opportunity?BenefitsWhat benefits do people get if we do this work and do it right?HowHow will this happen? Are there different phases? How will we interact with stakeholders?WhenWhen are the key milestones for this work? Is there a timeframe?Now WhatWhat will people notice happening next?The Change StoryTemplate fo r digital collaboration
Joy at Work!thechangedecision.comthechangedecision.com5Final thoughts to contemplate:• What are some potential positives for everyone involved if the change goes very well?• What would happen if the change were handed poorly?• Is there anything your stakeholders need to know right away about the change?• Who are your likely advocates?• How can they help you keep stakeholders feeling included and informed?• What are some old stories related to the change that need to be addressed or reframed because they no longer serve the organization well?thechangedecision.com
Joy at Work!thechangedecision.comNeed help? Contact us or see our website and videos for more resources. Coaching LeadersWe coach leaders to lead their organization in a significant change to their business and grow joy in the process✼Change ProfessionalsWe coach Change Professionals to executive change strategies and positively contribute to employee engagement✺ConsultingWe specialize in growing joy in the workplace through team performance, change leadership, change management and complex multi-stakeholder decisions initiatives✱Training Courses• Insightful Change Leader• Change & Joy Advanced ChangeManagement Certification• Essentials of Joyful Management• Data-Driven ChangeManagement❊We grow Joy at Work. Everything we do is about helping people get that every day. We do this because everyone wants to be part of something bigger than themselves. Because everyone wants to experience the satisfaction of doing their best work. Because work is a huge part of every person’s life. Because the ripple effect of Joy at Work is enormous and worth investing in.