You need a communication plan
Comms plans are one of the most important tools for executive communication and ensuring the right message gets delivered to the right people.
This includes: - A document that outlines the communication plan where leaders can collaborate and align on messaging and audience. - The who, what, when, where, and why: what are the key elements of the communication and why, who is impacted, where will each impacted person find out, and when will they be informed? - A table that shows the cascade of communications: who is responsible for communicating what message, and when? Who has been informed, and who needs to be informed?
Simplified Communications Plan Template
Initiative: [Name of Initiative]
Key Elements
- What: [Brief description of the key message or change]
- Why: [Reason for the communication or change]
Audience and Impact
| Who (Audience) | How Impacted | Where They'll Be Informed | When They'll Be Informed |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Group 1] | [Impact] | [Channel] | [Date/Time] |
| [Group 2] | [Impact] | [Channel] | [Date/Time] |
| [Group 3] | [Impact] | [Channel] | [Date/Time] |
Communication Cascade
| Communicator | Message | Audience | Channel | Date/Time | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Name/Role] | [Brief] | [Group] | [Email] | [Date] | [Sent/Pending] |
| [Name/Role] | [Brief] | [Group] | [Meeting] | [Date] | [Sent/Pending] |
| [Name/Role] | [Brief] | [Group] | [Slack] | [Date] | [Sent/Pending] |
Collaboration Notes
[Use this space for leaders to align on messaging, discuss audience concerns, or note any important considerations]