1. 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

2. 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.

3. 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.