Internal communications within any organization are completely vital to its overall success. Communications that flows downward, upward and across company lines is encouraged for many reasons. However, if the internal communications are going to be effective all over the organization, there must be several essential elements in good practices. Hence, for those business owners and representatives who are responsible for the primary communications between individuals and groups, here are some key elements that must be in place to make up an effective internal communications plan.
Communications Must Be Consistent
One of the most critical elements in any internal communications program is consistency. Trying to improve communications in any area involves providing consistent messages to all across the board. Therefore, whenever a plan is being designed, the method used must not be tinkered with by following a new trending methods. Instead, a consistent message of communications will build a certain amount of expectations that groups of people internally will be looking for.
Line Management Communications in Messages — Big Part of Best Practices
Line management is considered to be one of the top choices when communications are being designed and communicated. Typically, this is the case for those employees who will have questions and those that will need answers to critical situations. The line manager is tasked with providing these messages directly instead of indirectly.
Natural Gifts and Charisma Does Not Overshadow the Need for Careful Planning to Detail
Some people are known for having natural gifts in communication and they may also have a certain amount of Charisma when giving a message to both small audiences. While all of the added benefits of being a gifted speaker, these gifts cannot outweigh the need for careful planning and attention to detail. Simply put, internal communication must be accurate in order for the receiver of the message to gain trust in what is being said.
Timing is Crucial
When internal communications are being planned, the provider of the message must consider a wide variety of crucial factors including the timing of its presentation. So, the channel that is used must also be considered a big part of distributing the message to those who need to know. Bad timing can destroy all communications and can lead to issues within the organization. Hence, the message cannot be too late or given prematurely. Also, the channels of communications planned must be available for use at the time that they are needed.
Always a Two-Way Process
Internal communication is not a one-way method of getting information to a group of employees. In fact, once the information has been provided to the group, there needs to be a way to obtain feedback from those who have received what has been written or orally presented. By getting feedback, the management will have an opportunity to act on what else can be done. For instance, if a new procedure is being communicated to an operation, the management will need feedback to see how well it is working and if changes need to be made.
