Communication in Times of Rapid Change
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
David Fisher is an award-winning international speaker, executive communication coach, actor and author. Named one of LA Weekly’s “Top 30 Entrepreneurs to Watch” and a Top 10 Speaking Coach by Yahoo Finance, David brings over two decades of experience helping teams communicate and lead with passion, clarity, and intention.
In today's world, authentic communication has evolved from being merely important to being critical. How can you adapt and thrive in an age of challenge and change? AI is increasing efficiency in communication, but it can also harm community and hinder connection. Those who adapt to change while keeping people at the heart of their organization will thrive. The key is letting your people know, feel, and experience that.
If people don't feel seen and heard at work, they will stop saying what matters, or worse, they stop listening. By the time leadership feels it, the cost has already been paid in time, trust, morale, and momentum. By the time leaders see it, CEOs, HR departments, and managers are already in repair mode, and possibly in crisis mode. AI will not fix this.
The not so quiet cost of poor communication
Communication breakdowns rarely look dramatic. However, Humans communicate differently in times of change and/or pressure. This is something we are all living through in today's world, change and pressure.
Psychological safety without lowering the bar
Creating an authentic, supportive culture is difficult to create, even when things are going well. When there is constant change, this can feel overwhelming. Psychological safety takes time, energy, and moments of calm. If you and your team are constantly navigating turnover, supply-chain, sales, and economic challenges, it's extremely difficult to create space for people to feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves. However, when teams learn how to communicate under these circumstances, safety becomes safe. You can thrive when the seas are stormy!
Why good change management fails
Even when leaders communicate what is changing, they are missing the biggest need. How are people reacting to the changes? Fear, uncertainty, mistrust, and anxiety over losing income, stability, or a future are very real, even if you say there is nothing to worry about. This is especially true when change is happening in your industry from outside your organization. It could very well be a change you didn't ask for. How can you build a community of trust when so much may be out of your control?
These feelings are like a volcano. Resistance stays quiet and beneath the surface. When enough pressure builds, it will erupt. If people don’t feel heard by their leaders, they will stay silent, or worse, complain to their fellow employees and leaders will never know until it’s too late. But there is good news!
What changes when communication changes
When leaders and teams communicate clearly and with compassion, the shifts are visible:
People are more open about concerns.
Tension is addressed earlier.
Leaders show up calmer and more credible.
Decisions move faster
Your team is happier and more committed.
This isn’t just about motivation, although that's a part of it. It’s about changing how people show up in the face of change. When emotions are too high (anxiety) or too low (boredom) by using careful, thoughtful, out-of-the-box communication tools, you can still create a culture of trust, "A Culture of Us™."
Over communicate with your team. Find moments that create connection, space, and authenticity. Listen deeply and ask questions. It takes energy, but it’s an investment that pays off. Human communication is no longer a soft skill, it is a critical skill that we all must invest in.
Read more from David Fisher
David Fisher, Global Public Speaker and Communication Coach
Through A Culture of Us™ David Fisher teaches companies, institutions, and everyday leaders how to work with passion, communicate with clarity, and lead with intention, all toward strengthening their connections to create positive change, while having fun along the way. His keynotes, workshops, coaching sessions, and trainings are not just about bettering communication and leadership, they are about genuine transformation.
His approach is simple: A Culture of Us™ helps each of us tap into the hero within, and use that power toward working with others and leading with vulnerability and strength.
