Page 13 - INQ TunedIN and TurnedON vhtml

The Communication Challenge

The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion it has taken place.
George Bernard Shaw

The Internal Communication Challenge

Communication is the glue that holds the organisation together
and yet it keeps coming unstuck.
It has a major influence on the organisations effectiveness
and yet it is often a tactical afterthought.
It needs a lot more effort, skill and sensitivity than is often shown
and yet it is frequently just seen as a process.
It is based upon assumptions and individuals perspective/ views of the world
and yet this is not often acknowledged.
It cannot be perfected
and yet this is OK as peoples expectations constantly change.

EFFECTIVE = DELIVERED, UNDERSTOOD, VALUED AND ACTED UPON.

In a world where colleagues are overwhelmed with the constant bombardment of communication, getting heard is the new
challenge; as is being trusted. Good communication establishes trust and legitimacy.

Advances in technology means much of the emphasis on communication often goes on delivery mechanisms - however at
the end of the day, quality content is still king – it is the best way to get heard. Before you engage people, you must get
them listening to you and show you are listening to them. Getting through so that the message is heard, understood as
you intended, has meaning for the person and gets acted upon – is a highly prized skill in the attention economy.

Focus on delivering messages well on a few mediums tailored to your audience. Know your audiences well, write the
narrative for them and deliver it in an appropriate way. With the instagramification of communication – get more visual,
more mobile, more chat, more video and add a curveball with more podcasts! The way we communicate is changing too
with more listening, less sending, more peer to peer, less top down, more dialogue and less formality.

12