Why does a message change as it passes through managers?

Why does a message change as it passes through managers?

Why does a message change as it passes through managers?Whitney Stout, JD
Published on: 09/09/2026

Messages don’t travel intact through organizations. See how cascades, paraphrasing, and context cause message drift...and why confusion isn’t your fault. ne announcement, four versions by Friday. How retelling reshapes a message at every layer, and t

Message Drift
The Real Reason Your Change Message Keeps Changing

The Real Reason Your Change Message Keeps Changing

The Real Reason Your Change Message Keeps ChangingWhitney Stout, JD
Published on: 12/05/2026

When your reason for change keeps shifting, people stop trusting the message. This article explains why rationales drift, and how to keep them coherent.

Message Drift
Why "Just Communicate More" Doesn't Work

Why "Just Communicate More" Doesn't Work

Why "Just Communicate More" Doesn't WorkWhitney Stout, JD
Published on: 06/05/2026

Failed change initiatives aren’t caused by too little communication. They fail when messages don’t match what people need at each stage of change.

Message Drift
How to Brief Your Managers in 10 Minutes Without Them Going Rogue

How to Brief Your Managers in 10 Minutes Without Them Going Rogue

How to Brief Your Managers in 10 Minutes Without Them Going RogueWhitney Stout, JD
Published on: 17/03/2026

Managers go rogue when they’re briefed poorly. Learn a 10-minute briefing structure that keeps messaging consistent, prevents speculation, and stops change announcements from fragmenting.

Message Drift