You may have to look twice to spot an engaged employee

Here are some ways to spot them

Just because they do what you say...

 Just cos 'googies' do what you say doesn't mean they believe in it...and from a customer and results perspective attitude is everything!

Why to 'Start with Why'

Unless we understand the 'Why' behind a communication, we really won't give a ...dirt box deposit.
Here's a great video introduction to the importance of 'why' in communication:

Understand Your Audience

Understand your audience before attempting to communicate.

Define the objectives of new comms channels

No matter how shiny they might be

Let's get some perspective!

Digital comms are an enabler but face to face will never be obsolete.

Effective communication requires aligned perspectives

Always look beneath the surface...

Conduct a mini internal communications audit before addressing an internal  communications gap -  Some video tips on how to do this are here:  http://www.snapcomms.com/tactics-tuesday/internal-communication-audit.aspx

Mutual trust is critical to effective internal communications

Never, Ever, lie to me (or use 'spin') - my trust will be gone forever.

Use simple language if you want me to understand

Use plain language to help me understand

User Adoption Communication - start simple!

Especially if I am new or a digital immigrant.

10 Reasons NOT to block social networks at work

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10things/10-reasons-not-to-block-social-networking-at-work/3140

see more

How to get me to use social media

Use other channels to promote interesting discussion threads within internal Social Media channels.

Reinforce important policy information regularly

Do employees understand policies regarding data security and  the misuse of confidential information? Or are you leaving it to chance?

Perhaps the most important internal social media guideline

"Don't pick fights or be objectionable"

Time to break the rules

In an age of Twitter and blogging the rules of writing have changed….It's time to let go, be daring… start a sentence with “And”,  “But” or even an  “Or”
Here are some more writing rules you are now allowed to break.

Trying to predict every question is often a waste of time

Communicating with 'crazy busy' employees isn't easy

Acquisitions are especially challenging for employee communicators

Merging cultures, values, expectations, operational teams and so on is a big undertaking. Clear, effective, timely internal communication plays a critical part in a successful merger.

Regular updates can be important, even if there is nothing new to say.

During a situation like an IT outage or during a restructure, regular communication is important.  Let employees know when they were next receive an update (even if there is nothing new to say).

Context is even more important during uncertain times...

During uncertain times employees may interpret 'innocent' actions as more threatening. For example, during a recession, if fresh flowers are no longer delivered to office locations (when they previously were), employees may interpret this as an indicator of financial hard times and possible future redundancies. Context is important to avoid unnecessary concern.

Never assume all employees see things the same way

Cultural interpretations often distort the meaning of Internal Communications

Always some you can't reach… No matter how hard you try

No matter how good internal communications are… There will always be some individuals you can't reach.

Quarterly Updates - Some people just want the information

Beware the Curse of Knowledge

"When we know something, it becomes hard for us to imagine not knowing it. As a result, we become lousy communicators"  Extract from Made to Stick by Chip & Dan Heath

Communication is useless without an audience

Building an audience / uptake / participation is a critical part of effective internal communications

Trust - Easy to lose (and if you do... communication with me becomes much harder)

The font can create a mood - choose wisely