Internal communication seem to be this mystical concept that means very different things to everyone.
For a PR nerd, it is a silver bullet that helps you improve everything about a company.
If you are an HR specialist, it is something that reduces the workload.
The thing is, they are all correct answers.
Internal communication is a wide field that has the potential to solve many problems a company faces.
And as it is so wide, it seems there are many different ways to approach it.
And that is why most people approach it wrong.
Remember,finding a new way to successfully run a business also demands a new way of thinking.
First things first
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Figuring out what is currently working and what is not.
That requires research and feedback gathering.
I usually use focus group interviews for that.
Answering the question, where do I need to get to.
And this is also a problematic area as there are just way too many applications and softwares out there.
Catering to every punch in of company and solving many different problems.
There is no way to find a right one unless you know exactly what you are looking for.
Good goal setting on a company level gives purpose to all employees and makes them work harder.
And one of the best ways to set goals is the Objective and Key Results (OKR) methodology.
When everyone knows how their work matters, it increases overall engagement, motivation, and determination.
Its a psychological effect: no one wants to be the weakest link, so theyll try harder.
The structure for OKRs is easy to understand but very hard to get right.
You start by defining 3-5 key objectives on company, team or personal levels.
Objectives should be ambitious, qualitative, time bound, and actionable by the person or team.
Under each Objective, you might add three to five measurable Key Results.
These should be quantifiable, achievable, lead to objective grading and be difficult, but not impossible.
OKR results can be based on growth, performance, or engagement.
Often they are numerical.
They can also show if something is done or undone.
However, communication is not a system you buy and then hope it will work for years.
you’re gonna wanna put effort, time, and money into it every single day.
Every week and every month.
Only then can you achieve lasting success.
This principle is the same for both the PR nerds and HR specialists.
Making these changes a lasting part of the company culture is equally important.
No system of organizational communication or culture works unless you and your team work on it day to day.
So get out there, and verify your companys communication is not sucky.
Story byAlexander Maasik
Alexander Maasik is a communication specialist at Weekdone weekly employee-progress reports.
Maasik has a degree in journalism and public relations and a strong passion for internal communications and online collaboration.
