Read the scenario below and details of the case prior to discussing ideas with your partner. Scenario: You are a manager with MB Solutions, Inc located in Atlanta. Your division is being acquired by (sold to) Widgets Smidgets located in Tampa. As a part of the acquisition, all employees must either relocate to Tampa and work for Widgets Smidgets or leave MB Solutions Employees may not transfer to another department within MB Solutions or try to be re-hired with MB Solutions for years post-acquisition. In other words, employees from your division must either work for Widgets Smidgets or be unemployed. Details: . . Widgets Smidgets offers comparable salary and benefits Employees will retain accrued retirement benefits A relocation stipend will be provided to cover 100% of moving costs The cost of living is lower in Tampa A decision must be made within 60 days of the announcement Employees that choose not to relocate will not be able to remain with MB Solutions in any capacity Write notes about the following Consider the audience. What might be their interests and concerns? Be sure to consider both professional and personal considerations. How hostile may they be to the message? What, if anything, is within their control? 1. What is your goal? In other words, what do you want to achieve by communicating this news? Hint: What is the company buying? It is not the equipment and it's certainly not the buildings, so what's left? How do you get serve the needs of those "assets" so the sale is successful? If you do not the sale will be a bust, so keep that in mind. This is not an easy task here. 3.How will this bad news affect the audience? What may be some of their concerns? Understanding your audience is key. However, you cannot pander to them. The situation is what it is and Bright Solutions employees have a difficult decision to make. Your goal is to try to communicate in an effective, authentic manner. Overall , management's goal is for most Bright Solutions employees to relocate to Phoenix. Devise communication that supports this goal . Determine: When you will deliver the news o What mix of channels you will employ? Why will you use these channels? Write statements that: O Sympathize with recipients Soften the blow Provide a simple and clear rationale o Explain immediate impacts Focus on solutions and long-term benefits Show goodwill DO