5 Skills to Succeed in Internal Communications
Effective internal communications serve as the cornerstone for cultivating workplace culture. A
culture is enhanced when information flows openly, clearly, and transparently, fostering
employee trust. This trust forms a solid groundwork for other key components of a robust
workplace culture to flourish.
When employees feel confident that they receive information promptly, openly, and truthfully,
they are more likely to be actively engaged in the organization’s objectives and driven to
accomplish them.
Consider where you would prefer to work: in an environment shrouded in secrecy where
financial outcomes remain obscure, and the broader company landscape is uncertain, or in a
setting where you are regularly informed about company successes and assured of being
among the first to receive any pertinent updates.
Leadership
Leadership involves the process of steering and inspiring an individual or a group towards a
shared objective. Within a business setting, leaders guide employees with a strategic approach
to enable their success. The term “leadership” is frequently utilized in business circles, with its
interpretation varying depending on the individual and context. Specifically within roles related to
internal communications, ‘leadership’ embodies the capability to establish a course and cultivate
a motivating vision. It encompasses planning the path to reach goals, determining the means to
achieve them, and anticipating future outcomes.
Confidence
Confidence can be described as the belief that you can accomplish tasks effectively and
proficiently, akin to self-belief. In the context of internal communications jobs, it’s important to
note that being an alpha male or displaying egotistical behavior is not a prerequisite; quite the
contrary, as highlighted by the essential soft skills. However, individuals in internal
communications must engage in public speaking, hold discussions with senior executives, and
endeavor to influence and persuade an entire workforce.
To excel in these aspects, they must be confident in their abilities and feel at ease addressing
significant individuals or large audiences while maintaining clarity and coherence. It is crucial to
understand that confidence is not innate and can be cultivated through learning and practice.
Flexibility
Flexibility denotes the capacity to adjust to shifting situations. It implies the ability to bend and
maintain focus in a dynamic environment. If you prefer strict guidelines and a predefined list of
duties, positions in internal communications may not align with your work style. This role
frequently involves unexpected challenges, sudden incorporations into long standing projects
with urgent deadlines, and the need to foster creativity despite limited resources. Here, it is
essential to possess the skill of both meticulous planning and the readiness to deviate from
plans at a moment’s notice.
Copywriting
Copywriting entails the art of composing compelling sales, marketing, and promotional content
to encourage individuals to take action, such as making a purchase, clicking on links, making
donations, or providing contact information.
Let’s discard the “copy” prefix and acknowledge that writing skills play a significant role in
internal communications positions, given the substantial content creation aspect of the role.
Specifically, copywriting involves conveying ideas in a captivating and persuasive manner.
Strategic Thinking
Internal communication professionals must strategically align their initiatives with organizational
objectives. They must comprehend the wider context, spot opportunities, and create
communication strategies that foster employee engagement and bolster business goals. They
should also manage individual campaign priorities adeptly while upholding the overarching
business mission, vision, and values.
Endnote
While these competencies are crucial for excelling in internal communications, it is vital to
acknowledge that the field is dynamic and constantly evolving. Professionals need to
consistently keep abreast of industry trends, new tools, and emerging best practices to remain
at the forefront of this captivating,