6 tips to streamline and solidify your internal communications

Internal communicators generally aren’t meticulous planners.

Who could blame us? We are endlessly buffeted by requests—most of which tend to be of the “urgent” and “last-minute” variety.

Despite the never-ending deluge of requests, tasks and responsibilities, it’s crucial to develop a cohesive, clear communication strategy. It’s difficult to formulate an effective plan under the weight of endless impromptu requests, but it is possible.

Here are six steps to establish a firm foundation for your internal communication:

1. Link your initiatives to business goals.

Your role and goal as a communicator is not about covering every topic imaginable. It’s not about piling your plate as high as possible.

Instead of trying to cram too much in, study your organization’s chief goals. Decide on three to five areas that internal communications could contribute to in the next year, and outline your strategy in a one-page summary. Be clear on how your internal comms goals will directly dovetail with and affect the organization’s overarching goals.

2. Use data to inform and drive your plan.

Your goals should also be shaped by employee feedback and the results of your last engagement survey.