You may have seen images that illustrate how far apart managers and employees can be from each other (like the one above from Root Learning).

You’ll often see a canyon or chasm between the two, maybe with a rickety wooden bridge or a frayed rope as the only way to get across to the other side.

Difference in perspective is real.

When change is on the agenda, which is basically always, it’s important for managers to recognize the significant knowledge advantage they have, in comparison to their staff.

The starting point is not the same. Managers have a giant head start – more information, insight, knowledge, and context.

This is why there can be so much tension when you start communicating about a change, and no one seems to “get it.” It’s why we spend so much effort trying to find common ground for messaging.

Managers often forget that they’ve had the time they need to digest and understand what’s being planned.

And now they’re in a hurry. There’s no time to slow down and explain.

But your staff members need that same opportunity to understand things.

Remember this the next time you’re in charge of bringing a change to life. Make it part of your mission to help them.

It will help you too.

Have a great week!