Laws for Internal Communications

Hi all - I’m hoping for your thoughts and input. … and willing to give back to you all that you put in….

Last night I was working on something for a client and afterwards started thinking about “laws” for internal communications – those absolutes that we must all understand – my guess is there are somewhere between 15 and 25 of them.  In a matter of seconds I jotted down the following items that I felt were essential laws for internal communications – or at least things I was willing to consider:

• Information out is not communication
• Before starting your communication, ask yourself “What will be different as a result of this?”
• Awareness does not mean Understanding; Understanding does not mean Commitment; Commitment does not mean Actualization
• Communication is a process not an event
• Listening is the root of effectiveness
• Focus on Changing Behaviours
• Improve employee decision making by building context
• Know your audience(s) and why you are communicating with them

As too often is the case a simple bit of thinking led to more – and as a result this post.

I would like to compile the definitive list of “laws” for internal communications and invite you all to add your thoughts to the list.  Once I have collected all the input I will work through it and compile the list and perhaps annotate it….for anyone I hear back from I will ensure you get a copy of the report I pull together….

Cheers and thanks for your ideas – I look forward to hearing from you all.

Ken

 

Comments

[Aniisu]

Here are a couple I think may be relevant -

1. Involve and get commitment from employees who you want to change with your communication

2. Have a dialogue rather than prescribe

[Jennifer Davis]

Here are a few more to consider, some are not new ideas:

•Consistency is key and starts at the top

•Actions (behaviours) speak louder than words

•If you want them to listen, speak their language