Effective communication is key to managing change and supporting existing desired behaviors. Creating intentional, positive food safety culture messaging requires thoughtful planning and regular evaluation.
Check with key stakeholders about your objectives
Connect with team leaders of your target audience
Reach out to your organization’s communication experts (HR, PR)
Collect feedback from leaders and champions who will share your message
Pressure-test delivery methods and materials
Consider why you are planning to distribute information. Your communication may amplify learning, reinforce important concepts or values, or create excitement for upcoming change. Narrowing your communication to a single, concise goal will help you better define your audience, messaging, and delivery channels.
Determine with whom you are communicating. Understanding the people, levels, functions, subcultures, and existing attitudes and behaviors within your organization will help you identify the needs of your target audience.
Based on your objectives and your audience, consider the specific messaging of your communication. Think about your message from the perspective of your audience. The details you convey will help inform your audience’s response.
Consider the people who will relay your message and the people who will bolster your message moving forward. Including leaders, food safety culture champions, and members of your audience in planning and implementing your communication strategy will increase the staying power of the behaviors and attitudes.
Consider delivery tools to extend your message’s reach and increase comprehension. There are many methods of delivery that help your audience recognize and retain your message.
The following questions may help you examine your communication objectives.
Evaluate: Check in with key stakeholders. Does your plan fulfill a need? Is the timing right? Are there others you should include in planning before you proceed?
The following questions may help you think critically about your audience.
Evaluate: Talk with the team leaders and supervisors for your target audience. Does your understanding of the audience match theirs? Are there additional details you need to know?
The following questions may help you consider the details of your message.
Evaluate: Reach out to internal teams with expertise in communication (Public Relations, Training Development, Human Resources). Does your message align with other organization communications? Do they have suggestions?
The following questions may help you explore how to harness people power to support your message.
Evaluate: Collect feedback from leaders, champions, and members of your audience. Are they comfortable with conveying your message? Does your message make sense to them and resonate with them?
The following questions may help you brainstorm how to deliver your message.
Evaluate: Pressure test your message and delivery before committing substantial resources (especially physical / printed materials). Are members of your audience seeing or hearing your message? Can you measure initial changes in response to your message?
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