How to thrive and survive as an internal communicator

“It’s so important to keep the lines of communication open during crises and change. Employees get so frustrated finding things out via the rumor mill or the press. Even if you don’t yet have more news, tell staff this,”…says Sally Hinder, trainer, coach, facilitator, communication specialist and now Melcrum’s latest addition to The Internal Communication Black Belt trainer faculty.

Formerly Head of Internal Comms at Brit Insurance, Sally gives some fantastic advice for communicators, writing in an in-depth interview this week for The Internal Comms Hub.

So, in her experence, what competencies does Sally reckon are essential to being a successful communicator?

• Influencing skills: Being able to influence people – what we do can sometimes be seen as, dare I say it, “fluffy”, so it’s vital that we win hearts and minds through effective influencing.
• Business skills: Being able to understand business issues – communicators are sometimes criticized for not speaking a business’s language – a mistake I learnt from early in my career. In order to influence people to our way of thinking, we have to demonstrate that we understand their pain and the challenges they face in their business.
• Great listening skills – it’s not all about us talking and persuading but also about ensuring we understand the communications need and listen attentively both to what's being said and what's not being said.
• Diplomacy – for all the politics you have to deal with.

Above all, have a great sense of humor!

You can catch Sally at her first Black Belt course in January or at the Alumni drinks reception on January 22nd in London or on the Black Belt Dojo blog.

Melcrum’s Internal Communication Black Belt Programme is now in its third year, which has helped. Sally takes over from Liam Fitzpatrick who is stepping down at the end of 2008. Sally will be working with Black Belt’s long time UK trainer, Sue Dewhurst.

The Black Belt Programme is now held in London, Sydney and Melbourne, Australia throughout the year and will soon launch in other locations in Europe and North America in 2009.

If you’re interested in bringing Black Belt to a city near you, please do get in touch.

Robin Crumby.