10 guidelines for internal communications

1. 10 guidelines for internal communications

2. 10 guidelines • 1 Silence is dangerous • If no communication from director, people will fill the gap with their own interpretation • Rumours… hearsay… • Communicate with staff at all times • Keep information flowing, even when there is not much to say

3. 10 guidelines • 2 Important messages need repeating • People do not always listen well or understand first time • Repeat key messages • Find different ways of communicating the same message • Repeat info as an email, in-house newsletter, at a staff meeting

4. 10 guidelines • 3 Check all facts carefully • Approval procedures may seem time-consuming • But inaccurate info can cause trouble • 4 Is the message right? • Make sure the info is relevant to the audience

5. 10 guidelines • 5 Top people MUST communicate • Make sure the boss has regular meetings with small groups of staff to deliver his/her own message (and gather feedback) • Helps staff feel involved and important • Talking with employees should be ongoing, not an occasional event

6. 10 guidelines • 6 Always give background information to change • Make sure people know why things have to change • Don’t assume that staff are not interested or won’t understand • When change is near, say it, then write it

7. 10 guidelines • 7 Ask for feedback • Have a feedback process • Delivering a message without seeking feedback is one-way • THAT’S NOT COMMUNICATION • 8 Treat staff like responsible adults • Give them bad news as well as good news • Tell them why • If possible, tell them what is going to be done to correct things

8. 10 guidelines • 9 Don't lie • Even the most difficult truth is better than dishonesty • 10 Be first • Staff must never learn anything about the org from the media unless it is absolutely unavoidable • If they can't be told first, tell them at the same time as public communication

9. More info on internal communications • http://workhelp.org/content/view/171/46/