Communicating to the external constituents is important. But in order for this function to work effectively, communication within the organization needs to take place swiftly. Without proper internal communication, message sent across to the external constituencies can be varied and confusing. Today’s employees demand participation. Business environment are more complex and competitive. This puts greater pressure on employees and also calls for more concerted effort in the area of internal communications. Right Management Consultants revealed that the top area that managers and executives need to improve is their ability to engage employees in vision and strategy.
Organize the internal communication effort
Through a communication audit find out how employees attitude towards the organization and about the communications they are receiving internally. Depending on the results obtained put an internal communication infrastructure in place to better cater to the needs of employees. If an infrastructure is already in place, it can be adjusted for better performance.
Goals for effective internal communications
Internal communication should be done on the line of the company’s objectives and mission. Employees need to have a clear picture of what the company stands for and its visions. Effective internal communication should reinforce employee’s beliefs that they are important assets to the firm. This can happen only through active participation by the top management and if the communication effort is handled by professionals. Companies can also have a separate corporate communication division in place devoted only to communication aspects.
Methods
There are several methods that can be adopted to make internal communication more meaningful. It can at the personal level, group level or at the corporate level. Some of them are as follows:
Face-to-face meetings
Conduct in-person meetings with fairly large groups of employees with greater frequency. Provide employees with an opportunity to ask questions of management in an open forum.
Communicate online
Internet and intranet can be used as a platform to communicate and interact with employees. But make sure not provide too much information as this can be distracting.
Take employees as well as top management interviews and surveys
This can be an effective tool as employees are given privacy to respond to questions rather than a personal interview where they might not respond honestly.
Internal branding
Internal branding is also important to building morale and creating a workplace where employees are attached to their jobs. Just as external branding aims at creating emotional ties between consumers and the company, internal branding aims at doing the same with employees.
Analyse result
Analyse the resulting data as well as prior information available in the organization. Based on the outcome of analysis set measures to fix problems and enhance the internal communication function.
Communicate results with employees
Make employees aware of the results whether it is good or bad. Make them participate in developing strategies to make communication more effective within the organization. Always maintain a feedback of the ongoing activities.
Reference:
Organize the internal communication effort
Through a communication audit find out how employees attitude towards the organization and about the communications they are receiving internally. Depending on the results obtained put an internal communication infrastructure in place to better cater to the needs of employees. If an infrastructure is already in place, it can be adjusted for better performance.
Goals for effective internal communications
Internal communication should be done on the line of the company’s objectives and mission. Employees need to have a clear picture of what the company stands for and its visions. Effective internal communication should reinforce employee’s beliefs that they are important assets to the firm. This can happen only through active participation by the top management and if the communication effort is handled by professionals. Companies can also have a separate corporate communication division in place devoted only to communication aspects.
Methods
There are several methods that can be adopted to make internal communication more meaningful. It can at the personal level, group level or at the corporate level. Some of them are as follows:
Face-to-face meetings
Conduct in-person meetings with fairly large groups of employees with greater frequency. Provide employees with an opportunity to ask questions of management in an open forum.
Communicate online
Internet and intranet can be used as a platform to communicate and interact with employees. But make sure not provide too much information as this can be distracting.
Take employees as well as top management interviews and surveys
This can be an effective tool as employees are given privacy to respond to questions rather than a personal interview where they might not respond honestly.
Internal branding
Internal branding is also important to building morale and creating a workplace where employees are attached to their jobs. Just as external branding aims at creating emotional ties between consumers and the company, internal branding aims at doing the same with employees.
Analyse result
Analyse the resulting data as well as prior information available in the organization. Based on the outcome of analysis set measures to fix problems and enhance the internal communication function.
Communicate results with employees
Make employees aware of the results whether it is good or bad. Make them participate in developing strategies to make communication more effective within the organization. Always maintain a feedback of the ongoing activities.
Reference:
Right Management Consultants, “30% of Managers & Executives Lack Necessary Management Skills,” September 21. 2004, http://www.right.com
Colin Mitchell, “Selling the Brand Inside,” Harvard Business Review, January 2002.
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