Challenge:
In 2006, The Bank of New York Company and Mellon Financial announced their agreement to merge. The Bank of New York Corporate Communications understood this change could be met with resistance and that gaining the support of its 24,000 employees in the integration process was key to a successful merger. They needed a plan to help managers at all levels to interpret the change for employees and facilitate understanding through discussion.

Solution:
Davis & Company created Helping You Communicate in Uncertain Times, a learning communication program that prepared managers for their critical communication role. The two-hour session utilized a participant workbook and interactive exercises to help managers:

• Clarify communication roles and expectations
• Develop an understanding about employees' needs
• Strengthen their face-to-face communication skills

Results:
The learning communication program was a success. Survey results indicated that 95% of the managers agreed the session gave them the tools necessary to communicate effectively with their direct reports, facilitate dialogue, address change anxiety and gain buy-in for the merger. Additional results revealed that 92% of managers felt the session provided them with helpful information. The Bank of New York/Mellon merger was successfully completed in June 2007.