This week’s Guest Blog is from our Associate Trainer David Allen

If I had £1 for every person that has told me that Communication is getting more difficult these days I would be ready to take a luxury holiday about now. When Communication is supposed to be getting easier due to technology many Organisations are struggling more than ever to Communicate effectively. Following are some thoughts on how companies can make internal communication more successful.

Effective employee-directed communications must be led from the top

Effective communications require the active commitment and endorsement of senior managers. It is not enough simply to develop a ‘vision statement’ or formulate in general terms the values by which the company lives. Behaviour is what counts. Managers must be seen to behave in a manner that is consistent with the ethos they are promoting.

Cascade Communication

Where possible Cascade information through line managers from top to bottom. It provides more opportunities for employees to ask questions, check understanding, highlight issues and cement relationships with those they work closest to. However beware Chinese whispers and ensure messages are clear from the top.

The essence of good communications is consistency

At all costs, avoid following fashion and tinkering. If you try to improve communications and then fail—because your messages are inconsistent or are ‘good news only’—-things will not quietly settle back into the way they used to be. You will inevitably have created expectations, and may have to live with the consequences of having disappointed those expectations. Successful employee communications owe as much to consistency, careful planning and attention to detail as they do to charisma or natural gifts

Integration between internal and external communications

Ensure there is consistency between what the company is saying internally to its people and what it/you is/are telling customers, shareholders and public?

Timing is critical

However clearly expressed and well-presented your message may be, if it arrives at the wrong time you might as well not have bothered. Old news is often worse than no news. Consequently, it is important to ensure that the channels you use can really deliver at the time you need them to.

Never lose sight of the ‘what’s in it for me?’ factor

We are self-interested creatures. You may have invented the most amazing gadget ever, but unless you get others emotionally involved you are never likely to get others interested. But if you can show them you how the gadget will revolutionise their life, add £’s to their wallet, free up their time, fix their smelly feet, stop your kids arguing etc. you will almost certainly have their attention.

Communication is a two-way process

Employee communications are NOT a one-way information dump. Capturing feedback is of critical importance, and if you are not seen to be listening and acting on what you are told, why should people bother telling you?

Set your standards and stick to them

Determine which channels of communication should be mandatory and which should be optional; establish quality standards for all channels and review these at least annually.

David Allen
Training To Achieve UK