Communicating even when it is hard
When the scenario is not positive, and specially if not at all, we struggle to communicate within our teams and bigger systems. Even in positive contexts we are not so talented when it comes to communication as we think.
We lack the courage sometimes to have difficult conversations, and miss their amazing potential for transformation. The reality is that solely with communication we can resolve conflicts, improve relationships and build stronger connections.
Transposing from the individual challenges to team and/or organisational level it becomes an even bigger challenge. In most organisational assessments with our clients we tend to find that internal communication is always a constraint, and potential cause, for a lot of challenges to organisational health. It actually is more common to find absence of internal communication (aside all the noise that can’t even be considered internal communication at all), despite the profusion of channels available, than to find ineffective communication.
Addressing this aspect means we have to start by defining a clear message to others. Is this message clear for us in the first place? If not, let’s clarify it first. Then, what is the intention we have with the message? Is it direction? Is increasing trust? Is conveying reinforcement? Is imposing some limits? Is clarifying needed change or establishing clear priorities? After that consider the content and channel and iterate with feedback loops to check for effectiveness of the communication process. But do plan it, prepare and implement!
One main rule to consider may be, don’t delegate the internal strategic message to get across your team or the entire organisation. This can’t be delegated or automated. In communication relies all potential and we should look at it as essential as operational or sales management. We are not there yet, but we are getting there. Instead of just considering big ted talk events or once a quarter big get-togethers realize that communication is inevitable and happens every single moment of the work day. We can’t but communicate, even when we don’t want to.
So in this edition of our review we reflect on how strategic internal communication can highly contribute for improved health and performance outcomes with our blog post. We also suggest a great book that goes deep on “Organizational Communication: Strategies for Success” and finally invite you to listen to a podcast episode that delves into the benefits of courageous organisational communication strategies for employees, leaders and organisations.
This month we challenge you to prepare and convey a critical internal communication message to your team. Prepare it thoroughly, choose the moment and then create enough space to get critical feedback from all people.
Let’s do it!
Do take part in this conversation by leaving a comment on our blog or replying to hello@bound.health
Managing Partner @ Bound.Health
