Effective Tips to Become a Successful Internal Communications Manager
Sharon Joseph
Communication plays a vital role in the smooth functioning of any organization or business. This piece covers some effective tips needed to become a successful internal communications manager.
Developing excellent communication skills is absolutely essential to effective leadership. The leader must be able to share knowledge and ideas to transmit a sense of urgency and enthusiasm to others. If a leader can't get a message across clearly and motivate others to act on it, then having a message doesn't even matter. -Gilbert Amelio
An internal communications (IC) manager is responsible for developing and maintaining a large number of communication tasks for the company he is working with.
This involves managing an open and effective communication between managers and employees, devising communication strategies, and ensuring that everyone receives the right information at the right time, and in the right form!
Apart from possessing a degree in a relevant subject (communication, journalism, public relation, English, or business administration), most internal communication managers also have a background in information management, organizational communication, and marketing.
You will also require excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication (both written and verbal) and presentation skills to become a successful internal communications manager. Fluency in one or more languages other than English can also help boost your career prospects.
Effective Tips for Internal Communication Managers
Understand the Value of Communication
The importance of communication has been greatly emphasized by all management experts. It is the key element that assists in the growth and success of any organization.
As a manager, you should be able to convey your message with clarity, as well as promote open lines of communication between you and your employees.
Doing so will not only contribute to a trustworthy manager-employee relationship, but will also encourage your employees to come to you with their ideas, opinions, or any problems that may affect your business.
Know Your Business
As an IC manager, you need to know the business inside out to communicate the interests of the company to the employees and stakeholders.
You should be able to identify and analyze the needs of the business and the target audience, so that you can deliver your messages in the most appropriate way.
Develop Strategic Plans
For communicating effectively with your employees, you need to develop a solid and top-notch strategic plan that aligns with the goals of your organization. The stakeholders, department heads, and other managers should also be a part of the planning process.
However, the responsibility doesn't end here, you should also have the right expertise to translate your ideas and plans into reality. Also, make sure all the employees get a copy of the plan, so that they understand the company's goals and objectives.
Be Consistent
Deliver correct and crisp information at all times, while maintaining an impeccable level of quality. To do so, you need to have a passion for accuracy and a keen eye for detail. Monitor all the internal communication channels on a regular basis, and update content as and when required.
Use the Right Mix of Channels
There are different approaches to effective communication. These include newsletters, bulletins, intranet, seminars, social media, telephones, meetings, etc.
Selecting the right mix of channels to deliver messages to the target audience is one of the major challenges any internal communicator will face. So, brace yourself with the latest techniques in internal communication to deliver the information in the right format and at the right time.
Be Collaborative
Work closely with the communication team, HR department, and other department heads to ensure that accurate and consistent messages are delivered to the employees at all levels of the organization.
Always keep the employees and the management informed about the key strategies and issues related to internal communication. Promote transparency and good teamwork levels to enhance employee morale, thereby building a good image for the organization.
Understand Your Employees
Your responsibility as a manager is to communicate clearly and concisely with all the employees - be it the internal staff, supervisors, or senior leaders. Every employee has a different level of understanding.
Hence, emphasize on using simple words, and avoid technical jargons and ambiguous words. Motivate and promote engagement among all employees. Doing so will encourage your employees and create a sense of ownership in them, which will help the organization reach its goals.
Encourage Face-to-face Communication
Conduct one-on-one meetings and team huddles on a regular basis. Set clear expectations and establish performance standards for employees.
Provide them with comprehensive feedback, encourage them to ask questions or share their ideas, and identify areas that require training and development.
Communicate Change to Your Employees
Whatever the change, communicate it clearly to all your employees. Be confident and positive when you are communicating, as this will help your employees accept the change with enthusiasm.
Review the Communication Processes
Review the internal communication activities and processes from time to time to ensure they are running smoothly and effectively. If required, take steps to enhance the processes, like updating information, or streamlining information distribution, to improve the efficiency of your organization.
Work on Your Skills
Keep yourself up-to-date by acquiring new and latest skills in internal communication. This will help you keep up with the developments in your area.
It takes more than these skills to be a successful internal communications manager. You will need at least 5 years of work experience with a large organization. Also, expertise in digital communication and a proven track record in implementing internal communication programs can help one succeed in this field.