Internal communication is vital for an efficient company with good employee retention. In order to create a well-rounded brand that is backed by a strong employee foundation, you need to make sure all of your players are on the same page. Here are 10 common mistakes that are made in the workplace when it comes to communicating internally.
- One-Way Communication Flow – Don’t let your information flow from the top executives to the front-line employees. Make sure your communications flow both ways and help your employees buy-in on all levels.
- Making Assumptions – The only way to make a strong business for your employees is to get constructive feedback. Your employees need to have methods where they can offer suggestions and perspectives that aren’t in danger of any blowback. Far too often, communication fails when assumptions are made and questions aren’t asked.
- Using Outdated Methods – The recent technology changes have the majority of your employees (especially Millennials) expecting to stay connected socially with everyone at all times. Companies that fail to use SMS messaging services and mobile-optimized emails as part of their communication methods will miss out on a big opportunity to easily reach a large part of their employees who are frequently on their mobile devices.
- Avoiding Social Power – Many business leaders are nervous about encouraging their employees to be active on social media because they are afraid of what could go wrong. However, social media is a great place for employees to connect with each other and build better relationships that carry over into the workplace to create a stronger team. Plus, brands that are building up their employees as valued professionals and then encouraging them to socially share, are able to create employee advocates that spread valuable reviews about their company to friends and family in their circles.
- Procrastination – Holding off on communication is always a recipe for disastrous rumors and poor communication. Instead, set up marketing automation when possible to reduce your workload of menial communication tasks and then offer up fast, honest communication with all forms of change in order to get the support of your staff.
- Not Repeating – Studies have shown that employees who are asked to perform a task multiple times from managers are more likely to successfully complete the project. Use the best SMS marketing platform, your email platform, conference calls and face-to-face requests to offer multiple channels as helpful reminders to keep employees on task and on time.
- Failing to Email – Email is still the top communication tool for workplaces and employees at every level should be familiar with using it well.
- Inconsistency – While it is great to use multiple channels, you need to establish consistent communication methods for change of policy or project management in order to increase the engagement and ownership of your employees.
- Complicated Communication – Be straightforward. Most people (including your employees) will skim or stop halfway through when reading an article, email or text message. Boil your message down to what is absolutely necessary, cutting all of the excess in order to fast track your message, avoid misunderstandings and inspire action.
- Failing to Plan – Managers often fail to take the time to create a communication strategy, but this makes it impossible to measure success and adjust for improved effectiveness.
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About the Author: Sophorn Chhay
Sophorn is the marketing guy at Trumpia, the most complete SMS software with mass sms messaging, smart targeting and automation. Jumpstart your business by grabbing your free copy of his powerful Mobile Marketing Success Kit. Watch Trumpia’s 5-Minute Demo on how to execute an effective mobile marketing strategy.
