Internal Communication
5 steps to spectacularly failing your internal communication
What if, for once, we talked about how communicators mess up? And it’s bound to happen, given the communication problems we often see in businesses.
If you’re a communications officer, the time has come to reverse the trend, speed things up and never make the same mistakes twice!
Here are the 5 steps (to not follow) if you want to spectacularly fail your internal communications.
#1 – Use a generic account
Are you someone who avoids using their own name when communicating through your internal communication tool?
If you are, you’re receiving much less engagement!
Your colleagues will be more engaged if you use your personal account rather than a generic name such as “Works council” or “Management”, for example.
When communicating, make sure you use your first and last name, and if you have a profile photo, even better!
#2 – Only use top-down communication
Only 20% of employees think their managers are good at delivering messages.
According to Align Your Org
Many businesses make the mistake of having all internal communication entirely top-down. Nowadays, you must get your staff involved and introduce means for top-down, bottom-up and transversal internal communication.
A healthy organisation is one that lets every individual have their say. If messages always come from above, the balance is not maintained.
#3 – Drown out the information
Only 53% of internal communicators admit to trying to keep language simple and accessible.
According to Align Your Org
If you’re prone to penning lengthy prose, it’s time to stop! It’s a sure-fire way of losing your coworkers’ attention. Especially if the text drowns out the information with complicated and inaccessible jargon. We recommend writing a message that is simple and clear. Summarise and group messages together to make them more digestible for employees.
And don’t forget to use general terms so that everyone understands!
#4 – Forget to supplement with spoken communication
Once we have sent out an internal message, we often think our work is done — but that’s not true! It’s a common mistake. You must supplement written communication with spoken communication. This will not only act as a gentle reminder to colleagues, but also allow you to add more details or be more precise.
Informal chats and direct contact are also essential to fostering a receptive environment. Organise meetings and get out of the office, don’t forget that talking with your coworkers is crucial!
Good oral communication will also help nip any wrong interpretation of a message in the bud before it gets out of hand and creates tension.
#5 – Use content that is too formal
We will never tire of saying it: all communication should lead to engaging and pleasant content! When was the last time that you had a long think about the needs, preferences and interests of your colleagues?
It’s important that you adapt your internal communication to your company culture.
Every company is different, with its own vocabulary, customs and way of working and communicating. Be daring with your content and you will be richly rewarded!
Using the right methods when communicating internally is paramount. In addition to getting your employees more engaged, efficient internal communication will unite and bring your staff closer together. They will feel personally more motivated.
