Transcript Internal communications

10 guidelines for internal
communications
Paul Mundy and Bob Huggan
www.mamud.com
10 guidelines
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1 Silence is dangerous
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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
www.mamud.com
10 guidelines

2 Important messages need repeating
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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
Paul Mundy and Bob Huggan
www.mamud.com
10 guidelines

3 Check all facts carefully
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Approval procedures may seem time-consuming
But inaccurate info can cause trouble
4 Is the message right?
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Make sure the info is relevant to the audience
Paul Mundy and Bob Huggan
www.mamud.com
10 guidelines

5 Top people MUST communicate
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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
www.mamud.com
10 guidelines

6 Always give background information
to change
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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
www.mamud.com
10 guidelines

7 Ask for feedback
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Have a feedback process
Delivering a message without seeking feedback is
one-way
THAT’S NOT COMMUNICATION
8 Treat staff like responsible adults
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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
www.mamud.com
10 guidelines

9 Don't lie
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Even the most difficult truth is better than
dishonesty
10 Be first
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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
www.mamud.com
More info on internal communications
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http://workhelp.org/content/view/171/46/
Paul Mundy and Bob Huggan
www.mamud.com