Level 1: Leadership
Core messages and vision from executive leadership
Cascading Communications
Cascading communications is a strategic approach to message delivery that ensures information flows effectively from leadership through all levels of an organization. This methodology creates alignment, maintains message integrity, and empowers teams to contextualize information for their specific audiences.
Why Cascading Communications Matter
Section titled “Why Cascading Communications Matter”At WRI, our complex global structure—spanning multiple programs, regions, and stakeholder groups—requires thoughtful information dissemination. Effective cascading:
- Builds alignment around key initiatives and organizational priorities
- Maintains message consistency while allowing for contextual adaptation
- Increases engagement through personalized delivery
- Reduces information gaps that can lead to confusion or misalignment
- Empowers local leaders to translate global priorities into regional contexts
The Cascading Model
Section titled “The Cascading Model”Level 2: Program/Regional Directors
Contextualized for specific programs or regions
Level 3: Team Managers
Adapted for team priorities and implementation
Level 4: Team Members
Translated to individual responsibilities and actions
Implementation Guide
Section titled “Implementation Guide”1. Message Development
Section titled “1. Message Development”Start with a clear, compelling core message that supports organizational goals.
Example Core Messages
Section titled “Example Core Messages”“Our latest climate research demonstrates that cities can reduce emissions by 60% through integrated transportation solutions while improving equity outcomes.”
“New satellite monitoring capabilities allow us to track forest loss in real-time, enabling faster intervention and better outcomes for forest-dependent communities.”
“Our water risk assessment tool now incorporates climate projections, helping businesses and governments prepare for future water challenges with greater accuracy.”
2. Define Your Cascade Levels
Section titled “2. Define Your Cascade Levels”Map out who needs to receive information at each level of your organization:
| Level | Audience | Purpose | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Executive Leadership | Set vision and strategic direction | Initial message development |
| 2 | Program/Regional Directors | Translate to program/regional priorities | Within 24-48 hours of Level 1 |
| 3 | Team Managers | Operationalize for team implementation | Within 1 week of Level 2 |
| 4 | All Staff | Connect to individual work and impact | Within 1 week of Level 3 |
3. Create Cascade Kits
Section titled “3. Create Cascade Kits”Develop supporting materials that help message carriers at each level:
- Talking points that highlight key messages
- FAQs that address anticipated questions
- Presentation decks with customizable sections
- Implementation timelines relevant to each level
- Visual assets to reinforce key concepts
4. Equip Your Communicators
Section titled “4. Equip Your Communicators”For each level of the cascade, provide:
- Briefing sessions to ensure understanding
- Facilitation guides for leading discussions
- Feedback mechanisms to capture questions or concerns
- Success metrics to measure message effectiveness
Practical Application
Section titled “Practical Application”Delivery Method: Board and leadership retreat, followed by formal announcement
Key Questions:
- How does this strategy align with global sustainability goals?
- What resources are being allocated to each priority area?
- How will we measure success across our global operations?
Delivery Method: Program-specific workshop and planning session
Key Questions:
- How do we integrate these priorities into our current projects?
- What new skills or partnerships do we need to develop?
- How will our program metrics align with the overall strategy?
Delivery Method: Regional office town hall with Q&A
Key Questions:
- How do regional contexts influence our approach to the global strategy?
- Which local partners are most critical for each priority area?
- How can we share regional innovations across the global organization?
Best Practices
Section titled “Best Practices”- Maintain core message integrity while allowing for contextual adaptation
- Schedule cascade timing thoughtfully to prevent information gaps
- Provide two-way communication channels at each level
- Document questions and concerns that emerge during the cascade
- Measure both message delivery and reception at each level
Don’t:
Section titled “Don’t:”- Overwhelm with too many messages at once
- Allow excessive time gaps between cascade levels
- Neglect to collect and respond to feedback
- Assume one communication method works for all audiences
- Forget to close the loop on questions or issues raised
Measuring Cascade Effectiveness
Section titled “Measuring Cascade Effectiveness”Track these metrics to assess your cascade effectiveness:
- Message consistency across levels (audit communications)
- Time to complete cascade (from Level 1 to Level 4)
- Comprehension levels at each stage (through surveys)
- Action alignment (are resulting actions consistent with intent?)
- Feedback volume and themes (what questions emerged?)
WRI-Specific Case Studies
Section titled “WRI-Specific Case Studies”Case Study: Global Climate Action Report Launch
Section titled “Case Study: Global Climate Action Report Launch”Challenge: Releasing a major climate report with implications across sectors and regions while ensuring consistent messaging despite varying regional contexts.
Cascade Approach:
- Level 1: Executive briefing on report findings and implications
- Level 2: Program directors developed sector-specific briefings
- Level 3: Regional teams adapted messages for local policy contexts
- Level 4: Communications team created stakeholder-specific materials
Case Study: Organizational Restructuring Communication
Section titled “Case Study: Organizational Restructuring Communication”Challenge: Communicating a significant organizational restructuring that affected reporting lines and program priorities across global offices.
Cascade Approach:
- Level 1: CEO and leadership outlined vision and rationale
- Level 2: HR and regional directors prepared localized transition plans
- Level 3: Team managers held 1:1 discussions about individual impacts
- Level 4: All-staff town halls provided forums for questions
Communication Templates
Section titled “Communication Templates”Executive Message Template
Section titled “Executive Message Template”Manager Cascade Guide
Section titled “Manager Cascade Guide”Tools and Resources
Section titled “Tools and Resources”- Cascade Planning Template: [Download from Internal Resources]
- Message Testing Workshop: Schedule with the Communications team
- Feedback Aggregation Tool: Available in the Communications Toolkit
Quick Reference: Cascade Planning Checklist
Section titled “Quick Reference: Cascade Planning Checklist”- Identify cascade levels and key communicators
- Develop core message and supporting materials
- Create level-specific talking points and tools
- Establish cascade timeline and milestones
- Set up feedback mechanisms at each level
- Brief all message carriers before cascade begins
- Monitor message consistency throughout cascade
- Collect and address emerging questions
- Evaluate cascade effectiveness
- Document lessons learned for future cascades