Why and how internal comms should add value

Rather than draining company coffers, your employee messaging efforts can boost productivity and curtail workers’ injuries. That’s a win for all involved.

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Most internal communication functions simply drain money and rarely enhance the organization’s performance.

A few renegade internal communication departments are demonstrating that it doesn’t have to be that way. What are the renegades doing that elevates their impact on business results, which in turn significantly increases their pay?

They do four things:

1. Build a business case with a value proposition that clarifies what they will and won’t do. One client’s value proposition states, “We either make money or save money.” In that company, if you’re not making or saving money, you’re a drain on the business.

2. Manage the communication system, not just the formal channels. Many internal communicators distribute news and information. They manage meetings and events. But formal channels have little impact on organizational performance. Communication includes what leaders say and do. It includes systems and processes that communicate what’s important and by what is measured, rewarded and recognized.

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