The Grapevine (DVD or CD-ROM): Communicating in a World of Change

Produced

• 1996

Key Features

28-minute DVD or CD-ROM

Avoid the damaging and potentially expensive consequences of workplace rumors with The Grapevine.

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The Grapevine online preview

People do need to know what is going on, especially if there’s something afoot that could affect them personally. And once the rumour mill starts grinding it’s very difficult to stop - and even harder to correct any misinformation once it has gained currency.

The grapevine shows what can happen when people suspect the worst and start to make up things for themselves. One of the largest customers of a fictional company has called in the receivers; the MD has made contingency plans and is confident that new contracts will forestall the need for compulsory redundancies.

The message that managers were to pass on was one of reassurance but the production head doesn’t brief his team properly and their fears mount, fuelled by the fact that people in other departments seem to know more than they do.

Only when a key member of staff hands in his notice does he realise his mistake and the importance of structured communication.

The benefits:

• Everyday settings and realistic situations demystify the concept of internal communications and emphasise the potential problems
• Sets out proposals for achieving a professional communications process
• Highlights the benefits of holding regular team meetings and encouraging staff to contribute ideas
• Engaging use of humour to make messages stronger

Simple lack of communication is the culprit in this program. As the staff arrives for work one morning, they read in the newspaper that Universal, one of their largest clients, has gone bankrupt. Of course, reading about it in the local press is the last way staff should receive bad news.

Meanwhile, management is behind closed doors. The impending collapse of Universal is old news to them, and plans were put in place months ago to minimize the disruption. One of these had been for each department head to keep their team informed. Too bad Alex, the head of production, made the serious miscalculation of not informing his section for fear of alarming them.

Meanwhile, back on the factory floor, the rumor mill is churning. When Alex’s staff discuss the news with people from other sections who have been informed, Alex’s team convince themselves they are to be the first victims of certain downsizing. Job commitment falls off. Key staff begin to look for new jobs.

The Grapevine shows managers how open, honest communication can preempt such devastating events. Clear, direct, face-to-face staff briefings, where questions can be asked and answered, are best. Used in conjunction with e-mail, faxes and notice boards, staff can become part of the change process.

Learning Objectives:

• Agree on essential points
• Keep the team informed
• Hold face-to-face briefings

Suggested Uses:

• Change
• Communication
• Team Building
• Leadership

Information:
Features John Cleese, Peter Capaldi and Geraldine James

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Program includes:
DVD(28 mins)
Showreel tape
Meeting break video
Course leader's guide
Delegate worksheets on disk
Powerpoint slides/OHPs on disk
Self-study workbook on disk

This product is available for sale only within the United States of America.