What do you think the most underrated skill set for change managers is? I say it’s professional communications skills. Most change managers are not communications professionals, but that doesn’t mean they can’t take advantage of the huge opportunities that smart, considered communications can make to the success of transformational change programs. My guest today is Melanie Gibbons - a passionate communications professional who believes quality comms can provide immeasurable value to any organisation. Melanie Gibbons is the founder of Elm Communications, a consultancy that focuses on strategic communication services across government, NFP and the private sector. Mel is also President of the International Association of Business Communicators in Canberra. Mel shares why we should be putting thought and effort into the way we communicate, what to include in your communications strategy, whether you need a communications strategy, when to engage the corporate communications team and how to best work with them. We learn how to take your communications from building awareness to helping build behavioural change, vital for change managers.  Mel also guides us through how to communicate when the change you’re delivering isn’t good news. This conversation with Mel is extremely valuable and you’ll gain so many practical tips for your communications tool kit in this episode. LINKS: Free guide: How to communicate change during difficult times Connect with Melanie Gibbons: Website: https://elmcommunications.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elmcommunications/ Connect with me: Website: https://www.everchange.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkatebyrne