Should We Take the "Internal" out of Internal Communications?

This post originally appeared in Spin Sucks. It is reprinted here to stimulate thought among those in the hunt for a PR post.

“Internal communications” is an anachronism. 

Born from the recognition that employees were becoming a critical constituency, companies at the turn of the century began establishing internal communications departments to develop employee morale.

According to one historical source, internal communications was a mechanism to help employees understand a company’s mission and instill a sense of pride in the organization.

The method of implementation varied, of course, depending upon politics and the persuasion of the CEO in command.

Sometimes it resided with “human resources,” or more affectionately, “employee relations,” and often it was located in legal or corporate communications.

In this pro’s experience, corporate communications was always the best department for handling specialized employee or internal communications, because nothing succeeds like consistency.

Should We Let Go Of Internal Communications?

These days, however, it seems to be a hodgepodge of organizational dysfunction and redundancy.

How well the function operates depends on which way the winds are blowing, who’s in charge, and what are the priorities and politics of the boss.

Taking a page from Richard Edelman’s manifesto that “Communications Marketing” is the next wave, maybe it’s time to let go of “internal” and “employee” as modifiers of communications to employees and simply designate the umbrella term of “communications.”

Here are some reasons why.

Information in this Century is Realtime, Ubiquitous, and Instantaneous

There is no need to isolate and insulate.

Because of the speed of information, people have many channels and avenues to get information when it transpires.

It is best given directly from the source to those for which it is most critical when it happens.

Employees are Stakeholders

Employees can influence the movement of shares as much as they can sway the effect on customers.

They are the front line and should be treated and honored as other constituents.

Employees are Adults

Employees are educated, intelligent, and decision makers.

They are not to be coddled, cuddled, or conscripted.

Employees are Equal

They are as significant as stockholders, media, analysts, government officials, and executives, to name a few.

Their stature is no less than any other constituent.

They have a stake and can use it responsibly.

Employees are No Longer Mushrooms

No doubt you understand the comparison.

That said, the sunlight of full disclosure is the best disinfectant.

If the employee is trustworthy enough to hire, treat them as you would other favored constituents.

Employees Know More than You Think

Even without your formal communications strategy.

Given all the facts, employees will surprise you every time with their information, insight, innovation, and intuition.

This is even more evident in many of the start-ups emanating from the innovation capitals around the globe.

Many times the front line is where the magic happens, so open the floodgates and convey ownership and dialogue equally to all constituents.

So, is it really about “internal” communications anymore?

What to do if your job sucks!

You are into the 11th month of your new job.  There is no psychological lift from your work. The boss is a serious micro manager.  You are not having much fun.  You are at your wits end and see no relief ahead.  What should you do? 

This scenario likely applies to more people than one might imagine. Perhaps even you. Rest assured you are not alone. The good news is that the situation is not fatal and there are ways to manage the pain. Here are some ideas.

 

1. New gig.  Well you could look for a new job but in the current environment, job searches are lengthy at best.  It is an option that exists but it is not certain.  And as the saying goes don’t put all of your effort and thinking into one basket.  So while you are looking here are other means to an end.

2.  Relax.  Take a deep breath.  Count to ten. Take a 20 minute walk around the block. Take a sprint on the beach.  Sit back. Decompress and come to your senses.   

3. Endure. Don't quit.  The job market is still in turmoil.  You have a paying gig and are still able to pay for the roof over your head and three square meals a day.  Consider yourself fortunate. There are 11.8 million Americans without gainful employment.  Be thankful you are not one of them.

4. Divert. Find other outlets for your creative energy and drive. Volunteer with non-profits who likely could benefit from your talents. Join your professional trade association and get involved.  Head a committee, run a meeting, staff a conference, add to your network, mentor a student.  The list is likely endless of activities to engage and be engaged.

5. Enhance and improve. So the job is not what was promised. The boss is mean and never lets you run with it.   You are weary of just taking orders. Well back up and take a fresh look at your performance, your habits and your demeanor. Are you delivering at your level or just getting by?  Are you cutting the boss a break and giving her or him the benefit of the doubt.  

 

6. Focus.  Look at the glass half full, not empty. Maintain perspective. Consider a strategy under which you try to help the boss see things your way or at least in a different light.  Take her or him to dinner or lunch.  Encourage them to talk about their passions and motivations. This may give you a clue about how to influence their hot buttons.  It might even set the tone for improving how the boss treats you.  In any case it's worth a try. 

7.  Change the scenery.  Look for opportunities to move.  Are there other positions in the same company that fit your professional skills and aspirations?  Now that the real estate market is on the upswing look at renting a new apartment or buying a new house, preferably one with a view that enables you extend your vision beyond four walls. A perspective with a wide vista might just open you to new possibilities.

8.  Shock. For extreme therapy, visit an outplacement center, unemployment office or job fair.  See how the other 11.8 million are adjusting to life in the "slow lane" or "no lane."  It likely will give you some fresh perspective on your life in the faster lane.