Message Cascade for a New Initiative Why is this initiative important? Why do we need to change now? The MOST important question to answer. Critical to gaining buy-in and support Level 1 ◦ How does the project link to goals or vision? ◦ What is the “future state” or “to be” vision? What is the timing? ◦ What are the stakeholder concerns and issues? ◦ WIIFM? - What’s in it for me? Level 2 What support is needed from this stakeholder group? What changes will stakeholder groups experience? ◦ What are specific job changes? High level organizational messages More detailed group & individual messages The Tool: Key Messages Worksheet: Helps determine the critical messages to be communicated. Use the attached worksheets to determine the messages to communicate, to who and when. Change Management Guide – Tools for Managing Change

The Tool: Key Messages Worksheet Level 1 Message Key Messages Worksheet: Each stakeholder group should receive two levels of messages. The first is the three to five overall messages everyone needs to hear and understand. The second is stakeholder driven. These messages need to address the specific issues and concerns expressed from each particular stakeholder group.   Level One Message Creation: Why is this initiative important? Why do we need to change now? _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ How does this project link to University or department goals and vision? Why should others care if this project succeeds?  ________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ What is the future state vision? What are the next milestones? __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________    Successful Outcome: The messages reaching stakeholders are consistent and accurate.

The Tool: Key Messages Worksheet Level 2 Message Level Two Message Creation:   ______________________________ (name stakeholder group) is concerned about ____________________________________________________________________ Write messages that address stakeholder concerns, issues and WIIFM-What’s in it for me? If some concerns can’t be addressed until more project work is done, frame that explanation into a message. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ We need ________________________________ (name stakeholder group) to show support by _______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ What will this stakeholder group experience? What specific job changes are known? When will more be known? _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________  Successful Outcome: The messages reaching stakeholders are consistent and accurate.