![\"\"](\"http:\/\/etereman.com\/remanu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/02\/Communication-Break-Down-or-Break-Through.jpg\" "\\"Communication")
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When a company is growing, it\u2019s usually a great thing \u2013 more money, more employees, more tools…and more opportunity for misinformation and missed information.
\nIt\u2019s common for any growing business to overlook internal communications.
\nImplementing a communications strategy can take time and money that many companies feel are resources better served in money-generating efforts. But effective internal communications help employee-retention efforts by building loyalty, improving satisfaction, building commitment, forging a shared vision, and empowering your team. When dollars and cents matter, remember that it\u2019s cheaper to keep an employee than it is to train a new one.
\nSo, how do you build an internal communication strategy?
\nGive Them the Goods<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nWe currently have a main production facility, a shipping and receiving warehouse, two complete car care facilities, auto sales, and a handful of distribution centers across the country. Sometimes, trying to get everyone on the same page feels a lot like herding cats. They\u2019re just kind of going to do their own thing, your best intentions be damned.
\nThe main goal of and most immediate need addressed by an internal communication plan is to disseminate pertinent information to those who have a vested interest in your company \u2013 board members, executives, managers, employees, and, well, pretty much anyone could potentially give a crap about your success. You owe it to them to keep them in the loop.
\nTalk it Out<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nInternal communication should never be a one-way street. As with any healthy relationship, there should be ways in which internal stakeholders can air grievances, offer suggestions, and have their questions answered.
\nContributing to this conversation allows employees to take ownership in their work and your company. And, while every suggestion can\u2019t be implemented, there are sure to be some that improve production, improve sales, or are just plain fun.
\nManage the \u201cOh, S#!ts\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nSo, an employee heard from another employee who overheard yet another guy that your company is selling to another company. All of a sudden, the rumor mill gets a-turning; employees are worrying whether or not they\u2019ll have jobs when the dust settles, investors are worrying whether they\u2019ve bet on a losing horse, and competitors are chomping at the bit to scoop up your customers after the fallout. When, in actuality, your company is selling its products to another company.
\nNo single snowflake ever thinks it\u2019s responsible for the avalanche, but it\u2019s in your best interest to manage those flakes as efficiently as possible. Had an internal communication strategy and appropriate channels been in place, this rumor wouldn\u2019t have snowballed into something so damaging to internal and external confidence.
\nBuild Your Tribe<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nI\u2019m fortunate enough to work for a company that treats its employees well, produces a product that I\u2019m proud of, and encourages its employees to grow. From management down to the production floor, we believe working hard earns us the right to play hard. That\u2019s our corporate culture. We\u2019re a little irreverent and a little informal, but damn good at what we do. It\u2019s like a little tribe built around shared values \u2013 and one that I’m excited to continue be a part of.
\nYou and your coworkers have 40+ hours of shared experience each week, use your internal communications to build and reinforce your tribe. Build a healthy dialogue. Share your experiences. Evaluate criticism. Make your employees care. And, ultimately, grow together under a common goal.<\/p>\n
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![\"\"](\"http:\/\/etereman.com\/remanu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/Aimee1-150x150.jpg\" "\\"Jill")
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