The Power of Personal Stories.
First person
singular. The use of the word “I.” It can be one of the most powerful ways to
communicate with employees. If someone has “been there” and “done that,” sharing
the experience with peers can be extremely effective in making a
point.
Presented right,
testimonials are impactful and insightful. This is especially true when it comes
to union experiences. More and more studies are showing that many young people
today don’t have strong union legacies. Continuously declining numbers mean
family members were not members and have not passed down loyalties. Even those
who had a connection are opting for non-union workplaces. Today, it’s not
uncommon for the previous experience of a fellow employee in a union environment
to be the main source of information.
Truth vs.
fiction.
Unions make
promises they can’t keep. And they impose work rules that stifle flexibility.
True stories not only discount union claims and make explicit points, but also
open up dialogue possibilities and give companies an opportunity to build other
communications around them. From videotaped roundtable discussions to individual
stories, first-person accounts create discussion points and raise questions a
company can successfully and prudently answer about third party
representation.
As part of an
overall communication plan, a “word to the wise” from an experienced employee
can be
invaluable.
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