Kentucky Fried Donuts

So, I AM still here, it's just been an odd two weeks and I've not really been in blogging mood. Last week brought difficult family news, which was ironic as I was writing the commentary for Melcrum's research report into change communication. Writing about emotional reactions to endings whilst being in a weepy heap felt a bit surreal.

This week, my laptop has totally gave up the ghost. It had been sending ominous signals, so I'd already ordered a new one. But I've lost all my e-mails and e-mail addresses until they get recovered this weekend. So to anyone who's mailed me, I promise I'm not deliberately ignoring you.

Here's something amusing from a course I ran this week for leaders. Talking through action points at the end, one person said 'I'm focusing on my Kentucky Fried Donuts - the KFDs'. I got as far as thinking 'Do KFC actually MAKE donuts?  When did I talk about donuts?' before he explained it was his way of remembering to start by thinking about what he wanted people to Know, Feel and Do as a result of communication. What's more, he's putting photos of donuts around the office to remind himself to do it!

Big laughs all round, everyone loved the idea and promptly adopted the term. Whatever else they forget, they'll all remember the first step in planning their communication is to think about Kentucky Fried Donuts. A good reminder that people best remember things that are out of the ordinary, conjure up visual pictures and connect with their emotions. And good story telling fodder too - you can bet I'll be telling the story when I'm running sessions in the rest of the organisation.

Sue