We in the US and across the globe stand at the precipice of major change. Political, economic, social, cultural — change is upon us and it’s not going to stop anytime soon.

For some, change raises anxiety about the unpredictable and the unknown. But if you are like my most forward-thinking clients, change is exhilarating. It promises extraordinary opportunity. And it draws upon your boldest, most visionary leadership — the kind of leadership that sets the course for your team, company and entire industry.

To help you drive the kind of change that transforms, I’ve developed Liz’s 5Cs of Leading Change. Here’s your first C: [Crystal Clear] Communication. As a senior leader, your job is to ensure that change takes hold through the collective efforts of your organization. That means you’ve got to make sure your team, business partners, cross-functional colleagues, customers and clients clearly understand your vision of the future. Your key managers must know what you expect of them — and they have to be able to drive the message to their teams and partners throughout the organization.

If you think you’ve stated the message explicitly and compellingly enough, that’s a great start — but it’s not enough. Pressure test whether people thoroughly understand what you’re driving and what’s expected of them. Ask your key stakeholders whether the message has come through loud and clear. Invite questions. Convey the message yet again, and in a variety of ways. Remember, it takes time for people to adapt to change — but your best leaders and employees will embrace change as an opportunity to stretch — and to truly make a difference.

Be sure to check out my next article for the next C of Leading Change: [Creating] Context. More to come!