There are many theories about what internal communication is. However, we will opt for a more dynamic approach: we’re going to differentiate which aspects are part and which are NOT.
Are you ready?
Internal communication deals with managing relationships between the different internal stakeholders and influences the way they perceive the organization.
In every organization there is a network of connections where communication plays a key role.
Internal Communication has nothing to do with …
- Overwhelm with information
The constant stream of announcements and news will have an adverse effect on collaborators: it will disconnect them instead of keeping them interested.
- Imposing cooperation …
You cannot force two estranged leaders to cooperate with each other. However, clear internal communication channels can be introduced from CI, which will lead to greater understanding and cooperation among employees.
- Just fight fires …
One of the common mistakes is to see CI as a tactical alternative in case of an emergency. However, communication in a crisis must be long-term, strategic, and cooperative. While employees can be the best allies in difficult times, this will only happen if CI has worked to earn their trust and loyalty.
To work the internal communication of a company we focus on
- Explain the big picture …
The goal is to make employees feel like true insiders. Not only do they need to know how their department has performed, they need to know how the company as a whole has performed and they need to understand how this will affect the company’s strategy going forward.
- Translate strategies into ideas …
The language of business strategies can be complex. Therefore, for teams to act on a new strategy, it is necessary to translate it into practical ideas that collaborators understand and can interpret.
- Establish bilateral conversations …
Employees need to feel that they are heard. Internal communication is often a one-way message, like an email from the CEO with new orders for teams. However, to gain acceptance, contributors need to have a chance to have a say. An effective internal communication process is a conversation in which the organization asks its employees for their opinions, takes their suggestions and constructive criticism into account, and then shows them how it has done so.
- Respect the three Cs …
The best internal communication methods always involve the three Cs: be clear, concise, and compelling.
- Focus on results …
The focus should be on the outcome of the entire activity, not the activity itself.
What other aspects do you think are part of Internal Communication?
