--- title: "Spark #12: The 5 C’s of Organizational Communication Part 1: Are Your Employees “In the Dark?”" description: Leaders can encompass all audiences, generate a key level of understanding, and outline a bigger picture strategy with comprehensive employee communication. image: https://www.donnellyeffect.com/hubfs/EFFECTIVE-COMMUNICATION_ARE-YOUR-EMPLOYEES-IN-THE-DARK.gif --- [![Donnelly-Group_Logo](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/hubfs/Donnelly-Group_Logo.png "Donnelly-Group_Logo")](https://www.donnellyeffect.com) [(410) 212-4471](tel:4102124471) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/donnelly-effect/) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/donnellyeffect) - About - [About Us](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/about-us) - [What We Do](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/about-us-what-we-do) - [Who We Serve](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/about-us-who-we-serve) - [Our Executive Team](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/our-executive-team) - [Our Story](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/about-our-story) - Training - [Signature Service Programs](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/signature-service-programs) - [Kickstart](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/signature-service-programs-kickstart) - [Impact](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/signature-service-programs-impact) - [Ignite](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/signature-service-programs-ignite) - [Training Types](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/training-types) - [Executive Leadership](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/training-types-executive-leadership-development-workshops) - [Managers & Supervisors](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/training-types-manager-supervisor-training-workshops) - [Front-Line Employees](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/training-types-front-line-employee-development-training) - [Training Topics](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/training-topics) - [Customer Service](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/customer-service-training) - [Leadership](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/leadership-training) - [People Management](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/people-management-training) - [Service Culture](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/service-culture-training) - [Talent Selection & Hiring](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/talent-selection-hiring-training) - [Employee Onboarding](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/employee-onboarding-training) - [Training Delivery Methods](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/training-delivery-methods) - [Keynote Speaking](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/keynote-speaking) - Resources - [SPARKS! Blog](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog) - [Our Book: Unlock the Magic](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/unlock-the-magic) - [Book a Consultation](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/contact-us-donnelly-effect) #### SPARKS! Blog ### Subscribe to SPARKS! Blog ![SPARKS Blog Image-1](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/hubfs/SPARKS%20Blog%20Image-1.jpg "SPARKS Blog Image-1") # SPARKS! Blog Get inspiration and ideas delivered right to your inbox! ***D******onnelly Effect delivers 17 in '17:** 17 actionable SPARKS to ignite your team for better leadership, customer and employee experience and a better bottom line.* ##### Your next big initiative roll-out, organizational change or daily update will fizzle without a communication campaign that fortifies expectation. EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION helps build community and congeniality. Better yet, it’s a strategy that fosters employee empowerment and increased trust. The next few Spark blogs will discuss our 5 C’s of organizational communication, including why it is essential for creating buy-in and how it can revamp your current campaign to build better understanding within the groups that influence your success. The first C of any effective communication campaign strategy is **“Comprehensive.”** **![EFFECTIVE-COMMUNICATION_ARE-YOUR-EMPLOYEES-IN-THE-DARK.gif](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/EFFECTIVE-COMMUNICATION_ARE-YOUR-EMPLOYEES-IN-THE-DARK.gif?width=598&height=299&name=EFFECTIVE-COMMUNICATION_ARE-YOUR-EMPLOYEES-IN-THE-DARK.gif)** #### **Building Employee Trust Through Comprehensive Communication** > ###### The most dangerous employee is the one who feels they are "IN THE DARK" — i.e. not privy to the same pivotal information given to top leaders. Remember, change — both big and small — is uncomfortable for many, and employees who feel blind-sided and uninformed about everyday updates or organizational changes will wind up disengaged and non-committed. Leaders can assure wary employees with comprehensive communication deliveries that encompass all audiences, generate a key level of understanding, and outline a bigger picture strategy. #### **The What and The Why** Step one to developing a communication campaign is to make it comprehensive. Detailed, honest, and transparent communication strategies directly correlate to success because it leaves no stone unturned and no room for surprise. With comprehensive communication, employees will know why this change is being implemented, how it will affect them individually, and what they can expect moving forward.  > ###### Comprehensive message must-haves: #### **Tell Me Again…and again…and again** > ###### Over-communicating is essential to effectively manage and support change. So when you think you’ve thoroughly conveyed your message, **say it again.** Then communicate a little more…and one last time for good measure. The more you communicate, the more involved your team will feel.  Put yourself in the shoes of your employees. Does your explanation answer the questions your team is bound to have? Are you covering every key touchpoint needed to ensure widespread understanding? If not, it’s time to add more detail. #### **Why You Need To Do This NOW** Incomplete communication without the “why” will do more harm than good. Just like the office rumor mill swirls with half-truths and exaggerated assumptions when a departmental restructuring occurs without warning, **restricted communication** delivered with gaping holes in the message will **plague employee morale and performance, affecting both employee turnover and ultimately your bottom line.** [My time spent entrenched in the Disney work culture](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/home/about/mike-donnelly-disney-institute-keynote-speaker-highest-rated-best-top) made me realize that most great Disney leaders do two things really well: **they involve and they listen.** Take the time to draft messages that cater to your staff’s natural concerns and curiosity.  Re-examine your communication campaigns and ensure they contain the communication must-haves and essentials listed above. ##### The best part is that comprehensive communication campaigns are low-cost initiatives that reap the best rewards. It’s the employees who feel prepared, empowered, capable, and cared for that will spark loyalty and ensure SUCCESS of your next initiative or daily update.  Stay tuned for our next blog when we share the 2nd “C” of effective organizational communication: consistency.   ##### Want to BE MORE EFFECTIVE? Follow us to learn every 17 in '17: - TWITTER: [@DonnellyEffect](https://twitter.com/DonnellyEffect) - LINKEDIN: [Donnelly Effect](https://www.linkedin.com/company/donnelly-effect) & [Mike Donnelly](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedonnellyeffect) - SPARKS BLOG: SUBSCRIBE on the upper right hand side of this blog post =) ##### Missed our previous SPARKS? Check them out below! - [SPARK #1: The Power of the Pre-Shift Huddle](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/spark-1-the-power-of-a-pre-shift-huddle) - [SPARK #2: ](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/spark-1-the-power-of-a-pre-shift-huddle)[How to Lead in 3's](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/spark-2-how-to-lead-in-3s) - [SPARK #3: ](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/spark-1-the-power-of-a-pre-shift-huddle)[Help Grumpy Find His Happiness...Even if it is Not With You](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/spark-3-help-grumpy-find-his-happiness-even-if-it-is-not-with-you) - [SPARK #4: ](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/spark-1-the-power-of-a-pre-shift-huddle)[Tell a Story: The Power of Narrative Leadership](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/spark-4-tell-a-story-the-power-of-narrative-leadership) - [SPARK #5: ](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/spark-1-the-power-of-a-pre-shift-huddle)[Calling All Leaders! How to Make Your Message Count](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/spark-4-tell-a-story-the-power-of-narrative-leadership-0) - [SPARK #6: ](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/spark-1-the-power-of-a-pre-shift-huddle)[Think BIGGER! Service is Universal](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/customer-service-is-universal) - [SPARK #7: ](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/spark-1-the-power-of-a-pre-shift-huddle)[Stack the Deck: How to Create AWESOME ARRIVALS](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/how-to-create-awesome-arrivals) - SPARK #8: [Plant the Seed of Loyalty with a Fond Farewell](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/plant-the-seed-of-loyalty-fond-farewell) - SPARK #9: [Salvage Disasterous Experiences by Offering Alternatives](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/salvage-disastrous-experiences-by-offering-alternatives) - SPARK #10: [Leaders Create Leaders, Managers Produce Followers](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/leaders-create-leaders-managers-produce-followers) - SPARK #11: [Monster Service Ideas for Halloween and Beyond](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog-2/monster-service-ideas-halloween-beyond) ***ABOUT MIKE DONNELLY******:** With over 20 years of Disney leadership experience, [Mike Donnelly,](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/home/about/mike-donnelly-disney-institute-keynote-speaker-highest-rated-best-top) Chief Experience Officer (CEO) of Donnelly Effect shares his insights on [Talent Selection and Hiring](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/home/solutions/recruit-hire-retain), [Employee Onboarding](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/home/solutions/new-employee-orientation), [Customer Experience](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/home/solutions/customer-experience-cx), [Service Culture and Leadership](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/home/solutions/service-culture)-among others. Donnelly Effect is home of the exclusive "[World-Class Workshop](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/world-class-workshops)" series and offers [consulting services](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/our-approach/organizational-development) and [keynote addresses](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/disney-keynote-speaker-leadership-customer-service-new-employee-orientation-service-culture) to audiences of all sizes and industries. Since 2007, Mike Donnelly has been a contracted Disney Institute Facilitator, delivering Disney customer service training to audiences across the United States. *   Topics: [Customer Service](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/customer-service) [Leadership](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/leadership) [Disney Service](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/disney-service) [Effective Leadership](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/effective-leadership) [Communication](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/communication) [Leadership Communication](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/leadership-communication) #### Leave a Comment: #### Related posts - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fline-by-design-why-great-guest-experiences-begin-before-the-front-door&t=Line%20by%20Design:%20Why%20Great%20Guest%20Experiences%20Begin%20Before%20the%20Front%20Door) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fline-by-design-why-great-guest-experiences-begin-before-the-front-door&text=:%20) - [Linkedin](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fline-by-design-why-great-guest-experiences-begin-before-the-front-door&title=Line%20by%20Design:%20Why%20Great%20Guest%20Experiences%20Begin%20Before%20the%20Front%20Door&summary=) - [googleplus](https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fline-by-design-why-great-guest-experiences-begin-before-the-front-door) #### [Line by Design: Why Great Guest Experiences Begin Before the Front Door](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/line-by-design-why-great-guest-experiences-begin-before-the-front-door) [Mike Donnelly](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/author/mike-donnelly) | June 12, 2026 From physical lines to virtual holds, the way guests wait shapes how they feel long before the main experience begins. #### Related posts - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fthe-human-advantage-building-trust-in-a-trend-driven-world&t=The%20Human%20Advantage:%20Building%20Trust%20in%20a%20Trend-Driven%20World) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fthe-human-advantage-building-trust-in-a-trend-driven-world&text=:%20) - [Linkedin](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fthe-human-advantage-building-trust-in-a-trend-driven-world&title=The%20Human%20Advantage:%20Building%20Trust%20in%20a%20Trend-Driven%20World&summary=) - [googleplus](https://plus.google.com/share?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.donnellyeffect.com%2Fsparks-blog%2Fthe-human-advantage-building-trust-in-a-trend-driven-world) #### [The Human Advantage: Building Trust in a Trend-Driven World](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/the-human-advantage-building-trust-in-a-trend-driven-world) [Mike Donnelly](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/author/mike-donnelly) | January 16, 2026 Every year around this time, my inbox fills with "top trends" and "predictions for the year ahead." #### Posted by:- [Mike Donnelly](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/author/mike-donnelly) ### Posts by Topic - [Leadership (85)](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/leadership) - [Customer Service (82)](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/customer-service) - [Disney Service (78)](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/disney-service) - [Effective Leadership (72)](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/effective-leadership) - [Employee Experience (67)](https://www.donnellyeffect.com/sparks-blog/topic/employee-experience) ### Unlock the Magic! 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