440 E. Congress, Suite 400 | Detroit, Michigan 48226 | Tel: (313) 965-0350 | Fax: (313) 965-7545 | www.iriconsultants.

com

Cascade Communications Process

Too often, rumors and the workplace grapevine serve as the primary source
of information for employees, a situation that severely limits the ability of
managers to share important information accurately and communicate
effectively. It also can foster employee distrust and resentment of
management, spoiling morale and productivity.

In organizations that communicate well with employees, all levels of
management are actively involved in regular organizational dialogue and
participate in a process that creates a culture of open, factual and timely
internal communications.

The Cascade Communications Process helps reinforce the relationship
between managers and their staff by cascading or pushing information
throughout the organization from senior executives to supervisors and
managers to workers on the frontlines.

The process also is designed to send information up through the
organizational structure, creating a dynamic, two-way information flow that
drives vital information and gives employees a voice in the workplace.

Most importantly, this process emphasizes face-to-face communications,
allowing employees to learn about important information directly from their
supervisors, to ask questions and to provide critical feedback.

As part of IRI Consultants custom Cascade Communications Process,
supervisors and managers receive targeted training and participate in
developing systems that fit the organizations culture. This process includes
regular updates for managers from senior executives, training in constructive
conversations and how to use talking points, Q&As and messaging
documents, both to influence and guide employee perceptions and improve
the workplace dialogue.





440 E. Congress, Suite 400 | Detroit, Michigan 48226 | Tel: (313) 965-0350 | Fax: (313) 965-7545 | www.iriconsultants.com




Cascade communication is a flexible process. Some messages are most
effective when they are delivered in skip-level meetings, others in a direct
cascade. The exact configuration depends on the nature of the project and
the organizations structure.

Whatever your communication needs, IRI can help you develop an effective,
cost-beneficial plan.

For more information on Cascade Communications Process contact IRI
Consultants at info@iriconsultants.com or by calling (313) 965-0350.




440 E. Congress, Suite 400 | Detroit, Michigan 48226 | Tel: (313) 965-0350 | Fax: (313) 965-7545 | www.iriconsultants.com
Profiles of Ineffective and Effective Communication Cascades

Casual Interest
Rumors Grapevine
Corporate
Memos
Corporate
Media
CEO
Management
Council
Directors/
Supt
Second-line
Management
First-line
Supervisors
Employees
Management
Verification
Assured
Proactive
Communication
Supports
Corporate Goals
Shares Delivery of
Messages with
Senior
Management
Delivers all
Messages with
Organizational
Unit Viewpoint
Adapts Messages
to Organization
Sharpens Focus of
Organizational
Unit Message
Explains Message
to Employees
Understand Goals
and Show
Commitment
Example of an Effective
Communication Profile
Less reliance on print and media and greater face-to-face management responsibility
Heavy reliance on print and media with minimal management responsibility
High Point of the
Day
Rumors Grapevine
Corporate
Memos
Corporate
Media
CEO
Management
Council
Directors/
Supt
Second-line
Management
First-line
Supervisors
Employees
Management
Verification
Unsure
Reactive
Communication
Drives
Communication
Individually Leads
Major
Communication
Efforts
Delivers Some
Information
Mentions
Corporate
Information
May Mention
Corporate
Information
Passes On Memos
Wonder What's
Happening
Example of an Ineffective
Communication Profile