Paul Mundy and Bob Huggan 10 guidelines for internal communications
Paul Mundy and Bob Huggan 10 guidelines 1Silence 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
Paul Mundy and Bob Huggan 10 guidelines 2Important 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 , in-house newsletter, at a staff meeting
Paul Mundy and Bob Huggan 10 guidelines 3Check all facts carefully Approval procedures may seem time-consuming But inaccurate info can cause trouble 4Is the message right? Make sure the info is relevant to the audience
Paul Mundy and Bob Huggan 10 guidelines 5Top 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
Paul Mundy and Bob Huggan 10 guidelines 6Always 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
Paul Mundy and Bob Huggan 10 guidelines 7Ask for feedback Have a feedback process Delivering a message without seeking feedback is one-way THAT’S NOT COMMUNICATION 8Treat 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
Paul Mundy and Bob Huggan 10 guidelines 9Don't lie Even the most difficult truth is better than dishonesty 10Be 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
Paul Mundy and Bob Huggan More info on internal communications