Having an effective strategic communications plan is a critical requirement for any organization, whether facing transformation or moving ahead with business as usual. Communications provide individuals with a connection to the organization’s purpose, direction and current events; they help employees see how their skills and talents fit into the master plan; and help to create an atmosphere of inclusion. Most importantly, they act as a vital channel for on-going dialogue – keeping employees in the loop, up-to-date and engaged and committed to the organization.
At Maxcomm, we help our clients:
- Establish the strategic communication agenda
- Plan and execute a proactive communication plan, determining the appropriate audiences, timing and vehicles for all communications
- Provide a “communications audit” of existing plans to inform and insure alignment with the communication strategy
- Develop targeted, relevant and appropriate messaging
- Design information flow, input and feedback systems to monitor, assess and respond quickly to live data
The following critical success factors must be considered for all communications:
- Stay on message
- Rationalize communication activity against targeted outcomes
- Ensure communications are high impact, low-hype
- Focus on demand-side, not supply-side, information sharing
- Build the infrastructure (tools, practices, processes)
- Integrate the message and the activity
- Explicit, shared commitment to non-negotiables
- Minimal, unbreachable control points
- Regular, efficient touch points (activity, insights/radar, lessons learned)
