As communicators we like to believe that the communication begins once we send the news release, change the banner on the intranet, distribute the communications tool kit for all managers, host the CEO in a virtual or real town hall, send the survey, publish the newsletter, or post the blog.
The truth is that for most important change or announcement the communication started well before, often [and sadly] long before the professional communications team was even involved. The communication started when: the President cleared their agenda for a week with no notice. Or, when the GM started having way more/fewer than normal meetings behind closed doors with her most trusted advisors. Or, when men in suits turn up unannounced at one of our distant locations. Or, when shouting is heard coming from a boardroom during a strategic planning meeting.  Or, when the Director of Marketing who is due for a promotion is seen smiling for no apparent reason.
The bottom line is that communications in your organization are happening now with or without you.
Do you know what’s really being communicated in your organization?
Tags: Authenticity, Communications, Cultural norms, Culture change, Employee communication, Message control, Trust
This is exactly what I am trying to find out at the moment in my company. What’s being said, by whom and who is listening, and to whom. Not an easy task! It’s an incredibly perceptive posting and one that we should heed. We tend to get distracted by the official communication/response, but perhaps ought to include ‘what’s already out there’ into the preparation of those messages…