Effective communication directly benefits the business bottom line, customer loyalty, shareholder value, sales, staff engagement and motivation. Or, as employment consultant John Kirkham explained to WBG members: “Tune in and turn on – or you’ll be turned off!”
John, who advises clients on their HR and workplace policies, explained: “When people are surveyed, one of the most common complaints against organisations is lack of communication……
“What is the usual remedy? They ‘turn up the volume’ or ‘open up more channels’, or both – but they just broadcast more, which is not communication”.
He said that many organisations go wrong through…..
• Lack of information, too much information, or outdated and irrelevant information.
• Over-use of email and similar media, and not enough face-to-face contact.
• People’s questions don’t get answered.
• People give their thoughts, ideas and views, and they disappear into a ‘black hole’, and
• Enthusiastically opening up too many communication channels, and then failing to use them regularly.
An effective communications policy should make messages understandable by using the most appropriate and accessible medium or channel; using clear, jargon-free language (The Sun is a great example of how to do this); and creating interactive communication, so people can ask questions or express their views.
• If you would like further information, contact John direct on 07970 007 147 or email john@johnkirkham.eu. His website is www.johnkirkham.eu
