I work for a university and have been asked to look at ways in which communication can be improved at all levels within the organisation, including within our department, between departments, and between departments and external organisations. Are there any models or processes that we should consider?
ewn1@canterbury.ac.uk
Eddie Newall
4 Responses
Communication pyramid
Hi Eddie
I’ve developed a communication pyramid, originally designed for leaders to communicate with their teams but can easily be adapted which I’ll happily send on to you. If anyone wants a copy, e-mail me at Rich.Lucas@blueyonder.co.uk and I’ll get one across to you also
Best wishes
Rich
Audit?
Might I suggest that what ever model and processes you use, you also have a regular review and ‘audit’ to see how effective the communications system is and to identify where bottle necks, barriers and ‘message warps’ exist.
communications Auditing – start with the end in mind (and add va
Martin rightly suggests that it is worth thinking about audits. Starting from this premise could ensure that you add value not only to improved communication but improved productivity, morale and business performance.
A number of models worth looking at include “9 factor” and “business Improvement Review (culture)“. (Google will find you some good references) Look at models that are holistic in nature rather than focused on only one area.
The more integrated the diagnostic (or audit) the more integrated the solution.
Before you start this process though it is worth spending some time talking to others in the organisation to ensure that you have a very clear goal and measurable outcomes before you select your model or process.
over the years in consulting (training & general organisational) I have seen many ‘communications strategies’ fail because:
1) the stakeholders all have a different understanding & requirement of a communications strategy
2) a process is applied without taking into account a change management approach or methodology
3) people just want something to blame so put it dowm to ‘poor communications’ when actually it is ineffective management!!!
Happy to share experiences further
http://www.rapidbi.com/mikemorrison
Thanks
Thank you for those helpful replies.