Common Mistake: Is Email Really the Best Way to Communicate?
Common Challenge: Communication That Informs but Doesn’t Engage
Quick Summary
Email is fast, easy, and scalable—but often ineffective in driving true understanding and buy-in during change initiatives. This article explores why relying too heavily on email can undermine your change effort and how to choose communication methods that actually move people.
The Challenge
In busy organizations, email becomes the default communication tool. Change leaders and sponsors send announcements, updates, even entire strategies—then wonder why people didn’t read them, understand them, or act on them.
The problem isn’t just information overload. It’s that email alone doesn’t allow for dialogue, tone, or emotional connection—all essential elements in helping people process change.
Why It Matters
Change is emotional and relational. If people only receive top-down, text-heavy messages, they may feel disconnected, confused, or resistant. The illusion of communication—thinking "we sent the email, so they know”—is a common and costly trap.
The LaMarsh Perspective
The LaMarsh Managed Change™ Model teaches that communication must be targeted, interactive, and multi-channel. Effective communication addresses stakeholder concerns, provides clarity, and allows for feedback and reinforcement. Email may be one tool—but it should never be the only one.
How-To Solution
Match the Message to the Medium
Use email for routine updates but deliver high-impact messages (like the case for change) in person, via video, or through facilitated sessions.Create Two-Way Channels
Incorporate Q&A forums, feedback surveys, or live discussion opportunities to allow people to engage.Make It Personal
Segment messages by audience, so communication is relevant and meaningful to each group.Equip Leaders to Communicate
Help managers and sponsors to cascade messages through conversations, not just forwarding emails.Repeat Across Channels
Reinforce key messages multiple times and in multiple formats to improve retention and adoption.
Pro Tip
If your communication plan is just a series of emails, it’s not a plan—it’s a risk. Communication must create connections.
Wrap-Up
Communication is the lifeline of successful change. Don’t rely on email alone. With the LaMarsh Managed Change™ Model, you’ll build a communication strategy that informs, involves, and inspires.
👉 Want help refining your messaging approach? Join our next Managed Change Workshop or Contact us.