Member Spotlight - Priya Bates
In this ICology member spotlight, she shine the light on Priya Bates. Priya uses the pronouns she / her / hers. She is the president of Inner Strength Communication and the co-founder of A Leader Like Me.
Personal pronouns: She / Her / Hers
Role: President, Inner Strength Communication, and Co-founder, A Leader Like Me
Home: Toronto, Canada
Which do you think an internal communicator should focus more on: employee engagement or employee experience?
Employee Experience. I believe that engagement and the Gallup 12 questions we ask to measure engagement is an outcome of creating the right employee experience. We do this through connections - connecting values to behaviors (at all levels), strategy to results, brand promises to employee experiences that drive consistent customer experiences.
As internal communication professionals we need to be ready to ask clearly what success looks like and feels like in a way that is super clear. Engagement talks about what leaders want from employees - what leaders want them to SAY about the organization; how they want them to STRIVE to go above and beyond; and STAY with the organization to prove their loyalty so that organizations don't incur the costs associated with attrition. Experience, on the other hand, talks to what they want and need from leaders and organizations in order to drive retention, loyalty, belonging and effort.
For me, if we answer the latter, we have a better chance of getting the results leaders and organizations are looking for.
What was your first experience with internal communications?
In the late 90's (I've aged myself) I had a role in a technology distribution company where I managed Marketing, Sales and Corporate Communication. At the time, I would have probably believed that my role in helping create a new brand, helping the salesforce communicate to customers, and media relations was the key parts of my job, but I realized I was wrong. The most important work I did, was helping the sales floor understand industry changes (during the tech bust); helping leaders keep employee informed through these changes; and helping employees deliver on the new brand promise through customer conversations and experiences.
As we focused more internally to support what we were saying externally, the results really came to life. So much so that our Canadian leadership was eventually asked to lead the North American operation. It was a lightbulb moment for me. I realized that we needed to focus on the inside in order to drive the results on the outside.
What should be the mascot for internal communicators and why?
A spider. I like the analogy of the web we weave and the connections we create in our whole organization. At the centre of the web are our foundations like our mission, vision, purpose, values, brand and strategy and we weave out from there to create stickiness so that ideas can be understood and acted upon.
What are you hoping to give to ICology and get from it?
I like the idea of a community for Internal Communication Professionals. For me, the focus has always been on the science versus the fun stuff. I love creativity, but I have to admit, if all you are looking for is a fun campaign, I'm not your consultant. I'd rather help communication professionals drive real, sustainable change that impacts business results.
It's the space I've always played in and the one that led to me building a powerhouse internal communication team at the largest private sector employee in Canada. It's also the work that has led employers and clients to become top employers, admired corporate cultures, and successful companies. I hope that's the perspective I can provide and help with. How do you make the business case for internal communication investment with your leaders? How do you grow your team one project at the time? How do you manage changes successfully with limited disruption?
What is your favorite word?
Sustainable. I like the idea of creating changes that are focused on long-term impact and stick. I love seeing the progress of my clients, mentees, organizations...how they've taken the recommendations I've made and are seeing benefits long-term. I see their leaders recognized for communication, their teams grow, their organizations recognized as top employees, and their results come to life. It's the success they have when I'm no longer working with them that, for me, is a true sign of success.
What is your least favorite word?
Trend. Too many organizations and individuals hop on a bandwagon looking for impact short term. They focus on campaigns versus conversations. I've seem employees and the public roll their eyes at the flavor-of-the-month or year initiatives that create confusion versus cohesion. I struggle with so much superficial work and have had to come to the realization that those who want to drive real results seek me out. I honestly don't have time for the organizations and leaders who want to do the superficial work.
Who should internal comms report to and why’d is it not legal or HR?
Is this a leading question? Either way, I agree. The higher up in the ladder internal comms reports to determines access and impact. In my corporate career, I always reported two away from the president or CEO which means my boss reported directly to the top decision maker in my company. When it was lower - I simply was asked to deliver and do the tactical work. I have reported into many departments. I was most successful reporting in the Chairman's Office that managed strategy and the Corporate Affairs group where my boss managed all of internal and external communication and sat of the executive team. I was quote successful reporting into Marketing and Integrated Marketing teams.
I have to admit I have been least successful reporting to HR and Change Management. That being said, you can be successful reporting to HR is the leader believes in the role on internal communication as an integral enabler of organizations success and provides you access to top leaders in order to advise. The challenge happens with HR when they only want you to focus on people communication (talent/benefits) versus business enablement. There's also often a challenge when those HR leaders insist on being the conduit to leadership which often results in a game of broken telephone and waters down the advice and perspective they need to hear directly internal communication professionals.
If you attended in-person communication conferences whats something that you wish was there and has always been missing?
I love in-person conferences. I think it would be great to offer a personalized consultation. Perhaps a key issue that a group can workshop together but you can go back to your business with your communication plan created and reviewed by an expert.
What is the one book you recommend everyone should read?
I had a speaker at our A Leader Like Me Diversity in Action conference that talked about her book - The Four Sacred Gifts. It is by Indigenous author and consultant Anita Sanchez who I've had the pleasure to work with in the past. She talks about the sacred gifts indigenous elders were given to create healing in the world. The past year has been full of shock and anger and resentment as we open our eyes to inequities faced by so many and have opened our ears to listen to lived experiences. The Four Sacred Gifts is more hopeful, acknowledging the past, but realizing that to move forward we the gift to Forgive the Unforgivable, the gift of Unity, the gift of Healing and the gift of Hope in Action. I love that this book helps creates the path forward out of hate and towards healing.
What’s a podcast you listen to that inspires you?
I've got a couple I listen to whenever I can. “Calm Edged Rebels” with Advita Patel, Jenni Field, and Trudy Lewis. It feels like you're listening on the chatter of good friends sharing their different perspectives and experiences on subjects that do impact communication. I also like “Have you got Five Minutes” with Harriet Smalls and Rebecca Roberts. I like the short time period and their focus on current events.
Member Spotlight - Erica Goodwin
In this ICology member spotlight, she shine the light on Erica Goodwin. Erica uses the pronouns she / her / hers. She is the founding owner of Radiant Communications and you probably also recognize her from cohoting the Internal Miscommunications Podcast.
Personal pronouns: She / Her / Hers
Role: Founding Owner of Radiant Communications, Cohost of Internal Miscommunications
Home: Central Arkansas, USA
Which do you think an internal communicator should focus more on: employee engagement or employee experience?
We should pay attention to both yet, on the whole, employee experience seems too broad while employee engagement seems quite narrow. We need to focus more on the gap between the two. Employee experience is the umbrella—the comprehensive story of our interactions with a given company from recruitment to retirement. Employee engagement is the mood ring—the constantly changing levels of how we show up—and are actively engaged or disengaged—at work.
There’s a space between experience and engagement we, as internal communicators, need to be talking about more: employee involvement. This is largely where we already operate in terms of partnering with leaders and managers to help them better inform employees about company goals, strategies, and metrics. Then, measuring it. Experience and engagement often seem intangible, or “squishy.” Using more accurate language about how our specific roles [positively] influence the company, along with data to support our work, adds credibility and value.
What was your first experience with internal communications?
In my early twenties, I was the editor of an employee newsletter at a large healthcare system. Sharing stories about how employees gave exceptional care and how they got satisfaction from seeing advancements in medical treatments help their patients was a joy. (Plus, I still love the smell of freshly printed paper.)
What should be the mascot for internal communicators and why?
The Underdog. Usually the spotlight is on other teams, leaving internal communicators to work on our craft outside the watchful eyes of others. When the focus shifts to us, we shine and take others completely by surprise.
What are you hoping to give to ICology and get from it?
I hope to help ICology be a welcoming space for fellow internal communicators as we seek to elevate the profession as whole. Seeing it come to fruition has been a joy. (And I’m a self-selected member of the PR and marketing team.) I hope to continue making connections with peers, gaining deeper insights, and even talking about making employee Involvement more prevalent.
What is your favorite word?
Synchronicity. I love when the same thing pops up in different areas of life in surprising ways that don’t seem to go together at first. Whether it’s an idea, book, or a person, it feels like God, or the universe is trying to get our attention to draw deeper connections in our minds.
What is your least favorite word?
Squishy. Ha. And, yes, I do see the irony here.
If you attended in-person communication conferences whats something that you wish was there and has always been missing?
Connecting with others in lively chat sessions during virtual events has been insightful—and entertaining. That level of sharing in real time at in-person conferences would be interesting, yet potentially awkward for speakers.
What is the one book you recommend everyone should read?
“Tuesdays with Morrie.” This gift from Mitch Albom is still my favorite. The life lessons Morrie shares with Mitch, his former student, are timeless. Their relationship feels more real to me now than it did when I read it 23 years ago. I am profoundly grateful to the individuals who have been a “Morrie” to me, and I hope to do the same for others.
What’s a podcast you listen to that inspires you?
Join us on Clubhouse for a lunch break every Wednesday
Join us for lunch! We’re going to be on Clubhouse at every Wednesday at Noon EDT and Noon PDT to talk with the internal comms community.
The Background
We’ve highlighted several helpful Clubhouse clubs for internal communicators. And while it’s far from a perfect platform, it is an opportunity to connect with communicators from around the world.
And that’s what we’re hoping to do with our own Clubhouse chats. We’re kicking our series of chats Wednesday, April 28 to discuss our 6 Cs: creativity, connection, career, craft, curiosity, and confidence.
And to make these as inclusive as possible geographically, we are doing three every Wednesday:
Noon BST (UK Time)
Noon EDT (US)
Noon PDT (US)
We know these times may not work for everyone but we’re doing our best to provide as much coverage as possible. If you’re already on Clubhouse, click the time that works best for you and add it to your calendar.
If you’re not already on Clubhouse, we have some invites left. Skip the waitlist!
May 12: Curiosity - the curious communicator
For this week’s Clubhouse chats, we’re going to focus on the value of curiosity in communication. Where is it a strength? Where is it a weakness?
It’s something we believe is undervalued in the internal comms profession and we’d love to have you join us and share your thoughts.
👋 Noon BST
👋 Noon EDT
👋 Noon PDT
Additional resources:
May 5: Career - when a job loss is a gain
In our very first Clubhouse chat that focused on Connection, member Erica Goodwin casually mentioned how her job loss turned out to be a gain. And with Career being one of our “Six Cs,” we want to feature her story on May 5.
Job loss is something everyone experiences but isn’t something we talk about enough. It never feels good but there are some positives that can come from it. We hope you can join us during one of the following times on May 5.
👋 Noon BST
👋 Noon EDT
👋 Noon PDT
Member Spotlight - Ann Melinger
In this ICology member spotlight, she shine the light on Ann Melinger. Ann uses the pronouns she / her / hers. She is the CEO of Brilliant Ink, a US-based internal communications agency specializing in designing meaningful employee experiences that translate into killer business results.
Personal pronouns: She / Her / Hers
Role: CEO at Brilliant Ink
Home: New York, NY, USA
What lured you into internal communications? What ignited your passion?
I loved so much of what I learned in school studying Communications, and I wanted to find a way to apply those skills - writing, storytelling, creative problem solving - to work that can make a difference in peoples' lives.
What would you say to someone new to the industry?
Don't overthink it - the best internal communicators know how to put themselves into employees' shoes. That's something we can all do - think back over jobs you've had, and reflect on what made it a great experience and what was lacking. Keep that empathy at the core of everything you do and you'll go far!
What's your #1 piece of IC career advice?
If you’ve ever considered it, I encourage you to take the risk and try working for yourself at least once in your career. It’s a real privilege and I recognize that not everyone will have that opportunity – giving up the stability of a steady paycheck and benefits is luxury many people cannot afford. But if you’ve ever considered it and have the means to make it happen, GO FOR IT. Few things in life are more fulfilling than the freedom and flexibility of working on your own, and our industry is tailor-made for freelancers to thrive. (p.s. I’m happy to share my advice with anyone who is considering it!)
What do you hope to bring to ICology?
I love sharing insights, exchanging ideas and engaging in discussion and debate. From what I’ve seen so far in ICology, I expect there to be plenty of each!
What professional or career goals did you put on hold during the pandemic?
Honestly, I can’t think of anything I put on hold. It was by no means easy, but I was able to achieve more than I ever could have imagined, including growing my team by more than 50%. Now I’m just ready to get out there and meet all my new Brilliant Inkies!
What words would you use to describe the types of communicators or leaders you enjoy working with?
Collaborative, Open-Minded, Human
What is an IC tool or tactic that needs to be canceled?
Clunky/old-school/custom-coded intranets. I’ve met too many communicators who are responsible for their company’s intranet and waste HOURS of their lives struggling to make simple updates or collect meaningful analytics. There are too many powerful, intuitive, cost-effective solutions out there today to waste your time with that!
The internal communicator's guide to hybrid work
All Things IC’s Rachel Miller joined ICology founder Chuck Gose to discuss a hot topic communicators are facing around the world right now. What is the role communicators play in the hybrid work conversation?
All Things IC’s Rachel Miller joined ICology founder Chuck Gose to discuss a hot topic communicators are facing around the world right now. What is the role communicators play in the hybrid work conversation?
This is well timed since Rachel also launched an online masterclass called “The internal communicator’s guide to hybrid working.” Anyone can sign up but ICology members there is a special discount code for the community.
Watch and share with us your advice and questions about hybrid work.
This livestream originally aired on May 4.
A few of the key takeaways:
✅ Define and refine your terminology.
✅ Test personas with employees.
✅ Listen to employees.
✅ Strengthen two-way channels.
✅ Iterate. It’s ok to work in phases.
✅ Focus on fairness.
✅ What channel changes do you need?
✅ Work closely (closer) with leaders.
✅ Build in a narrative of belonging.
The internal communicator’s guide to hybrid working All Things IC Online Masterclass: https://allthingsic.thinkific.com/courses/hybrid-working
Member Spotlight - Keith Riley
In this ICology member spotlight, she shine the light on Keith Riley. Keith uses the pronouns he / him / his. He works in internal communications and in the co-host of the Internal Miscommunications Podcast.
Personal pronouns: He / him / his
Role: co-host at Internal Miscommunications Podcast
Home: Chorley, UK
What lured you into internal communications? What ignited your passion?
I followed a friend into it. I watched his career trajectory and wanted to do the same. I have no formal training or degree, I just worked really hard in the company i worked for and made sure that I did everything possible to get a foot in the door. Over the course of two years I used annual leave and changed my shifts to shadow and volunteer for the IC team and that paid off. I got a two-month temporary position that turned into six months that turned into the last 10 years (ish).
What would you say to someone new to the industry?
Doctors take a hypocratic oath and they still kill people. I quickly learned that you are not infallible and you have to release yourself of the crippling fear of making a mistake. As soon as you do this, you will discover that internal communications is one of the most rewarding and exciting careers you can be in. You’ll make a few mistakes but at least no one died from from a typo or a broken hyperlink.
What do you hope to bring to ICology?
Honestly, I genuinely think I am going to learn more than I give. I do specialise in media comms and have spent the last 15 years teaching myself how to shoot and edit video and audio specifically for an internal communications audience so I’d love to meet likeminded nerds and share / learn / steal ideas.
What’s your one piece of IC career advice?
The relationships you need to build are formed on trust, so do everything that is expected of you and a little bit more. This not only helps you form the relationships quicker but it also opens doors to the conversations that you need to be in to be a success. Don’t just presume the job title will give you autonomous access.
What professional goals did you put on hold during the pandemic?
Well.... that is a secret really because I didn’t put it on hold - just chipped away at it a little more slowly. 2021 could see the secret revealed but we shall see.
What words would you use to describe the types of communicators or leaders do you enjoy working with?
I love it when I am given a clearer brief and then allowed to run away with it. I love to be collaborative and to let stakeholders steer the process but I need to be allowed to get on with it. My perfect teammate would be someone who loves copy and admin because they are not my BFFs.
What is an IC tool or tactic that should be canceled?
None - I think as long as they have clear purpose and objectives there is a place for everything in the comms arsenal.
Member workshop - SharePoint Therapy
SharePoint Therapy is a members-only opportunity to have your burning questions answered and learn more about what you could be doing with this mammoth platform.
Do you love to hate SharePoint? Ever feel like you need a support group to ease your frustrations? Look no further!
SharePoint Therapy is a members-only opportunity to have your burning questions answered and learn more about what you could be doing with this mammoth platform.
We’re capping attendance at three people per session to guarantee you have undivided attention from our partners at Local Wisdom. Pinaki Kathiari (he/him) and Justin Rossi are experts in the fields of communication, UX and of course, SharePoint. Jump on the call for an hour and leave feeling confident and creative!
Drop-in fee: $25 USD
Recommended Clubhouse Clubs for internal communicators
We see more and more internal communicators active on Clubhouse. And while it’s not perfect, it is a unique platform to hear interesting conversations and level up your network. Here are a few recommended Clubhouse Clubs for internal communicators.
We see more and more internal communicators active on Clubhouse. And for now, you do need to be invited by someone AND have an iPhone - but I’m sure that will change in the very near future.
Clubhouse is not a perfect platform. It suffers from poor accessibility and discovery. But it is a unique platform to hear interesting conversations and level up your network.
Here are a few recommended Clubhouse Clubs for internal communicators.
👋 ICology
Of course we have our own club on Clubhouse. We haven’t done much with it yet but those plans are changing. Join so that you stay updated on upcoming chats we have planned.
👋 A Leader Like Me
“A Leader Like Me was created to help support underrepresented groups who don’t often see people who look like them in leadership roles or around a boardroom table. We want to help drive measurable results by creating a support network to lift up those who need inspiration of leaders like them.”
👋 Building Better Cultures
“How brilliant internal comms, engagement and human leadership contribute to building better cultures - for organisations and their people.”
👋 Digital Transformation
“How technology changes culture, business, economics and society.”
👋 Digital Workplace
“Trends and conversations about the digital workplace. Employee experience and future of work. Internal communication. Learning in the flow of work. A meeting place for the exchange of ideas about the future Digital Workplace, between HR, IT and communication and between SaaS vendors, starutps, enterprise and change managers.
👋 Fearless Brands
“We are an innovative collective dedicated to helping you create the brand you’ve always wanted. Whether you’re trying to land your next gig, present yourself as a though leaders, or are creating your own venture, this is a unique place to understand and develop your brand to build maximum momentum.”
👋 Future of Work Club
“Join us to talk about the Future of Work, collaboration, communication and other topics.”
👋 Inner Strength
“Enable, engage, empower employees to manage change and deliver results. Let’s explore the power we have working from the inside out.”
👋 Workplace Intelligence
“Keep up to date with the latest trends impacting the workplace and HUR. Topics include recruiting, diversity and inclusion, wellness and wellbeing, total rewards, employee benefits and compensation, learning and development, recognition, remote and hybrid work, personal development, performance management and more.”
The Clubhouse Clubs listed are a great start but new ones are popping up all the time. If you have joined or started a club you think internal communicators would be interested in, leave a link in the comment.
Research on "The New Social Contract"
In the new social contract, the employer-employee relationship is more dimensional and transactional. What does this mean for internal communicators?
A lot.
During the pandemic, many internal communicators have been re-energized. Not by the pandemic but by the renewed sense of purpose by keeping employees informed, safe and healthy.
And it seems those who might have doubted the importance of employee communication now see the greater benefit.
New research from FleishmanHillard should be another positive reinforcement that we are are doing the right things. They learned that…
“Nearly twice as many very satisfied employees say they receive accurate and honest communications when compared with the average employee. Comparatively, unsatisfied employees are almost three times less likely than the average employee to say they receive accurate and honest communications.”
Read that last paragraph again.
ACCURATE & HONEST communication.
And what do we get with satisfied employees?
🟣 Regularly advocating for their employer as a great place to work
🟣 Promoting employer decisions even if they don’t agree
🟣 Encouraging appropriate behavior among coworkers
🟣 Surfacing new ideas
🟣 Stepping in to do a job when someone else can’t
🟣 Covering for a coworker who has a personal obligation to attend
🟣 Unofficially mentoring colleagues
🟣 And more.
My question is, "Can you have satisfied employees who are disengaged?"
Member Spotlight - Rhea Mathew
In our next ICology member spotlight, we feature Rhea Mathew. Rhea is the social media manager at Battenhall. Rhea lives in Dubai, UAE, and uses the pronouns she / her / hers.
Personal pronouns: She / her / hers
Role: Social Media Manager at Battenhall
Home: Dubai, UAE
What lured you into internal communications? What ignited your passion?
Internal Communications is such an amazing industry to be in because you’re helping folks renew connections to the brand they’ve chosen to represent. After years in corporate communications at HP, I realized that the region needed a dose of brand love internally so we created the program from scratch!
What would you say to someone new to the industry?
Your voice matters - Be loud and be very proud of what you have to say.
What do you hope to bring to ICology?
Internal communications pros from Dubai! We need to build this community.
What’s your one piece of IC career advice?
Make your connections and value them - You will always be grateful for the people who back you up on good days and bad days.
What words would you use to describe the types of communicators or leaders do you enjoy working with?
Communicators - Adaptable, capable, passionate and energetic
Leaders - Good listeners, understanding, compassionate
Top 41 Global Communicators from Around the World in Internal Communications
For the first time ever, we have carefully researched and identified the top 41 global communicators from around the world in internal communications. Watch the video to see who made the list.
Watch the video to see who made the list this year!
Member Spotlight - Zi Mutize
Zi Mutize. Zi is the director of communications & employee experience at Sealed Air. He lives in Charlotte, NC, USA, and uses the pronouns he/him/his.
Personal pronouns: He / him / his
Role: director, communications & employee experience at Sealed Air
Home: Charlotte, NC, USA
What lured you into internal communications? What ignited your passion?
I fell into this role by accident. I was hired earlier on in my career to support external communications for a company division that had recently gone through a merger. Three months in, it was clear, they needed to work on internal first. As a result, I was immediately drafted to work on internal communications. The rest as they say is history.
What would you say to someone new to the industry?
This is a great space. You will meet a lot of interesting people. You should act like a loudspeaker by amplifying voices and untold stories from your entire organization.
What do you hope to bring to ICology?
I think the combination of continuous learning, networking, industry insights, best practices, and dedication to the field brings me here.
What’s your one piece of IC career advice?
Learn the business first. You cannot apply sound communications counsel if you do not understand the business. You have to understand the business market landscape, the markets it serves, the organizational goals, how products are made, and how customers are satisfied.
What words would you use to describe the types of communicators or leaders do you enjoy working with?
Creative, Collaborative, Organized, and Thoughtful! (These are for both communicators and leaders.)
What is an IC tool or tactic that you think needs to be canceled?
Exclusively relying on the cascade does not work anymore. I am an old school communicator and think this should always be supplemented with various other methods of communication.
Member Spotlight - Kristin Cooke
Kristin Cooke is from Sioux Falls, SD, USA, and uses the pronouns she/her/hers. She is a communications specialist at MetaBank.
Personal pronouns: She / her / hers
Role: communications specialist at MetaBank
Home: Sioux Falls, SD
What lured you into internal communications? What ignited your passion?
As with so many other communications professionals, I didn't find internal communications - IC found me! MetaBank went through quite a bit of merger and acquisition activity, growing our geographic footprint and creating the need for communication strategy. I began filling the need without a job title to match for quite some time. It wasn't long into my new role before I realized my love for internal communication.
My passion for helping others find their purpose found a home in IC by creating clarity, context and community in order for employees to be able to write themselves into MetaBank's mission of Financial Inclusion for All.
What would you say to someone new to the industry?
Be a sponge. There are so many great IC practitioners to learn from so immerse yourself by listening to their podcasts, attending webinars, joining ICology! (Shameless plug, but it's true!)
What do you hope to bring to ICology?
I hope to represent the up-and-coming generation of internal communications professionals. The workplace is shifting and the way work gets done will never be the same. I hope to ask tough questions and challenge the communication status quo.
What’s your one piece of IC career advice?
My number one piece of career advice is to surround yourself with people that you can learn from. As internal communicators, we are asked to create content around all manner of subjects: quarter-end and year-end earnings, IT process changes, project management flow, employee engagement, etc. By having people close to you that you can rely to be subject-matter experts, you can glean their know-how to serve your employees better. And bonus, you'll learn a thing or two along the way!
What words would you use to describe the types of communicators or leaders do you enjoy working with?
In both communicators and leaders, the ability to be consistent and empathetic are non-negotiables. in my book. Choosing consistency builds trust. In a trusting work environment, your people will do their best work because they are psychologically safe, their "fight or flight" isn't engaged. Secondly, the importance of empathy cannot be overstated. As communicators, our super power is the ability to create content that makes people think, "It's not just me," or "I'm not alone." Twenty-twenty required all communicators to be fluent in empathy and share the language with the leaders around them.
What is an IC tool or tactic that you think needs to be canceled?
"The Cascade." To illustrate internal communications to a group of fourth graders recently, I had them play the game telephone where one person whispers a message in the ear of the person next to them until each person has heard the message. As always with telephone, when it came time to reveal what the last student heard, the message was so distorted. So it is with any cascaded corporate messaging. Internal communicators are champions of authenticity and transparency. I say, take the message directly to the people it affects.
Support research into line manager communication
New research into the role of line managers! Line managers matter; they hold the key to many challenges inside organisations. They are one of the key elements to effective internal communication and an important part of The Field Model™ approach.
Jenni Field, an ICology member and key voice in internal communications, is leading a new research effort into line manager communication. It’s an area that communicators know is important but have invested little in learning about. Support this effort!
And if you want to lead this effort at your organization, Jenni has offered to prepare your organization’s own custom link to report out on your organization’s findings. This is a huge opportunity for your organization to learn more.
New research into the role of line managers! Line managers matter; they hold the key to many challenges inside organisations. They are one of the key elements to effective internal communication and an important part of The Field Model™ approach.
We understand the importance of line managers from our Remotely Interested research back in 2019. Now it’s time to understand how that has changed and learn more about the role to enable better relationships and communication across organisations. This time we’re exploring the role of the line manager; as the world of work changed in the past year, we want to find out how this impacts line managers, the skills they need to manage and the purpose of their role inside organisations.
We’re working in partnership with SocialOptic and we want to hear from line managers everywhere, so if you manage people please take the time to complete our survey, which closes on 24 March.
You can share this link across social platforms and inside your organisation too. The more line managers who complete it, the better!
Want to share it inside your organisation and get insight just for you?
If you have over 200 line managers in your organisation, we can give you a bespoke link to share internally. You’ll get a tailored report on your findings and a 45-minute presentation covering what we found afterward – all for free! Request your bespoke link.
Original post - https://redefiningcomms.com/line-managers-under-the-microscope/
“A challenged world is an alert world.”
At ICology we choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. Learn more about what you can do to join us.
The #choosetochallenge campaign for this year’s International Women’s Day resonates deeply with ICology and our community of internal communicators.
Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day. And as a group, we should hold each other accountable.
We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women's achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world.
So what can we do?
Representation matters! Celebrate and highlight the achievements of women, particularly women of colour
Put your money where your heart is: support women-owned businesses and invest in charities that work towards equality around the world.
Watch your words: be conscious of language that disparages women, even subtly.
Speak up and speak out: when you feel safe to do so, call out biases and discrimination.
From challenge comes change, so let's all choose to challenge.
The Double-Double-Down-Under Plan
We’ve created a special membership plan for communicators in Australia and Canada. Check it out.
We want communicators from all countries to be a part of ICology. And for years while living in Canada, Kristin has felt this pain - with items in USD often costing an additional 30%.
Because we’ve seen some early sign-ups and tremendous support from Australia and Canada, we want to make things a big easier financially on our Canadian and Australian friends.
We’ve launched the Double-Double-Down-Under Plan. Under this plan, Canadian and Australian internal communicators pay $16.99/mo (instead of the standard $19.99).
We don’t think communicators should have to pay more just because of where they are from.
Diversity In Action Conference winner announced
We’re proud to support A Leader Like Me’s Diversity in Action conference in March. We purchased a registration and gave it away to one of our members.
ICology is proud to partner and support other organizations in internal communications. We purchased a registration to A Leader Like Me’s March Diversity in Action conference and gave it away to one of our ICology members. To participate, all members had to do was comment how they are supporting diversity in action.
We drew names and the winner is Rey Bouknight, social advisor at SocialChorus. Congratulations Rey!
Save 10% by using the code ICOLOGY10.
This global online event has some remarkable speakers from across the globe. Delegates will have the opportunity to learn from these industry experts who will share stories, strategies and their own learnings on key topics such as how to build an anti-racist organization, how to find and listen to stories that are often overlooked and how to look beyond someone’s disability plus much more. This is a great opportunity for leaders who want to learn more about diversity issues and be part of a growing movement towards inclusion.
This conference will inspire, motivate and encourage change across various organizations where under-represented groups still don’t feel like they belong.
We believe that diversity and inclusion should be at all levels of the organization and that all individuals – regardless of ability, race, gender, or sexual preference – should be comfortable bringing their whole selves to personal and professional interactions. Studies have shown that this is not only good for society, but also good for business.
Member Spotlight - Michelle Moulding
In our first ICology member spotlight, we feature Michelle Moulding. Michelle is from near Petersborugh, UK, and uses the pronouns she/her/hers.
Personal pronouns: She / her / hers
Role: Internal engagement and communication specialist
Home: Near Peterborough, UK
What lured you into internal communications? What ignited your passion?
I, like many, fell into internal communications understanding that if the organisation was going to shout about how great it was to those on the outside then there had best be at least acceptance of that view internally. Much better to have an internal collective of advocates than a total disconnect with external perception.
What would you say to someone new to the industry?
Jump in the water - it’s lovely :-). There are few areas of a business that allow you to ask pertinent questions, tell stories and help shape the bigger corporate picture. Build your network, remember to be human and nobody has all of the answers but many will offer a helping hand.
What’s your one piece of IC career advice?
Don’t get stuck in the churn of just doing, put real value in listening to what colleagues are (or aren’t) saying and use that insight to inform your actions.
What words would you use to describe the types of communicators or leaders do you enjoy working with?
Authentic, honest and empowering leaders who know and value the strengths of their team. A similar list for communicators adding in a sense of awareness of who they are communicating with.
What is an IC tool or tactic that you think needs to be canceled?
Worrying about where it sits, evidence your value and the question becomes redundant.
Speaking Truth to Power: lessons for internal communicators
The election cycle has provided a truckload of communication case studies for communicators to pore over. Here's one for internal communicators.
17 books every communicator should read
As part of my ICology podcast, I routinely ask communicators if there's a book they recommend every communicator should read. Here are 17 books recommended by past guests of ICology.
As part of my ICology podcast, I routinely ask communicators if there's a book they recommend every communicator should read. I ask this for two reasons. First, I think it's sheds some personal light on the guest and what their interests are. And second, it opens up communicators to potentially new resources or sources of inspiration.
To follow, here are 17 books guests of ICology recommend every communicator should read. Some apply directly to the profession but most don't. Several deal with how to better understand people and manage your own life better. And one is even a memoir from an author's childhood in rural England in 1959.
How many have you read? You can find all the books on this Amazon list.
Thinking Fast and Slow
Recommended by Heather Wagoner
There’s a book called "Thinking Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman. It's all about behavior economics and influence. And it's an excellent book for communicators. I think it's sometimes around how you pitch messaging and how you influence your audience. And even really simple things, like how you sometimes order a list of things can influence how someone thinks about it. It's very detailed. It's very, very good.
The Art of Focused Conversation
Recommended by Ciara O’Keeffe
It was a book that was recommended to me and it's called, "Art of Focused Conversation: 100 ways to access group wisdom in the workplace." It's by Brian Stanfield, it's absolutely fantastic for upping your game in terms of interviewing people and asking the right questions, which for me, is really key with internal comms when you're finding out information, when you're talking to senior stakeholders, asking those right questions so you get to your outcomes really quickly. And the good thing about it is you don't have to read the whole book, you can dip in and out depending on the types of meetings you're going into or the types of interviews you're doing and stuff like that. So, yeah. For me, it's a really great book.
The 5 Love Languages
Recommended by Ally Bunin
So I think one of the greatest books for communicators or anyone is ”The Five Love Languages.” It teaches you how to better communicate with somebody, whether it be your spouse, a loved one, a child, highly recommended.
Communicating Change
Recommended by Christopher Hannegan
The one book for communicators that I think is a must-read is "Communicating Change" by Larkin. This is not a new book. It has been around for at least 20 years, if not longer. But I still find it to be an incredibly relevant book about how to create communication strategies that connect the business through communications objectives and most importantly, how to design strategies that reach all the way into the front line of an organization. It's a pretty easy read.
Lean In
Recommended by Priya Bates
I really enjoyed Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. I thought it was great, especially from a female prospective. But I think that men and women should both read the book. I love that book. It's provided me with a lot of insight in terms of opportunity.
Renegades Write the Rules
Recommended by Natalie White
I really, really love Amy Jo Martin wrote a book called Renegades Write the Rules. It's all about social media, and her story of how she leveraged...she's really very good at Twitter, and how she started. Shaquille O'Neal's one of her clients, Dwayne Johnson and others. She's personally fascinating, but she also has a very strategic and tactical ways in which you can leverage social media. I really love that book.
Made to Stick
Recommended by JoEllen Saeli-Lane
I love that book. I go back to it time and time again when I'm creating messages, and I just think it's one of the best ones out there.
Heart of Change
Recommended by Paul Barton
I think that communicators should spend a little bit more time reading what some of our organizational development and change leaders and partners pay attention to. I really recommend the communicators read the John Kotter's book on "The Heart of Change. There's a lot of change management books out there. I think Kotter's to me integrates well with communication thinking.
Reality-Based Leadership
Recommended by Kristin Hancock
I think every person who has a job should read "Reality-Based Leadership" by Cy Wakeman, because her whole concept is about ditching the drama in your life, dealing with the reality of your situation and then moving forward from that.
Tribes
Recommended by Bev Attfield
It's a little book, it's a quick read about creating purpose and inspiring leadership. And I think those are tactics that every communicator, whether you're an internal comms professional or a marketer, or a PR person, you should really master the skills that Seth talks about. Especially those professionals who are hoping to build an engaged culture through internal communications in an organization.
How to Win Friends & Influence People
Recommended by Rachel Williams
I didn't actually read it, I listened to it on audio book and I don't often re-read books but I listen to that over and over and over again. I loved the stories, and the simplicity of the advice for becoming an influencer by valuing your audience. Whether that's 1 person or 500 people, the lessons taught in that book are just brilliant for a communicator.
Cider with Rosie
Recommended by Nick Howard
I won't recommend a business book or an advice book or anything like that. I'll recommend something a little bit differently, and it's my favorite book and I read it first when I was very, very young. It's actually a very old book. It's called “Cider with Rosie” and it's the autobiography of Laurie Lee, who was an English poet and novelist, and it's set at the turn of the last century, so it's pre-World War I and it describes Lee's youth growing up in the English countryside. And the reason I would recommend it to anybody is I think it's one of the most beautifully written books in the English language. And if you want a brilliant example of how language can be evocative and beautiful and create pictures in your mind, then I think Cider with Rosie is perfect. It is a truly wonderful, beautiful book and I would recommend anybody to read it.
Mindset
Recommended by Stephanie Davies
So, the Carol Dweck book called "Mindset," and it is all about we should challenge the status quo and how when we get a message it's how we take that message on-board, whether we use it as a positive to grow and develop ourselves, or sometimes whether we see it as a negative, going back to that internal event.
The Book of Gossage
Recommended by Greg Monaco
I’m coming from a very specific perspective because I’m in branding and I came up through the ranks as a copywriter in the ad agency world. One of my favorite books is a book called The Book of Gossage by Howard Gossage. This guy was called the Socrates of San Francisco and he was a copywriter in the ‘50s and ‘60s and he just brought fun and humor into an industry that was really up to the point was very earnest in tone. He has a great quote that I love reciting to people, but any budding copywriter that would come into our office I would hand them this book and say read this, this is great. He says, “Nobody reads ads, they read what interests them and sometimes it’s an ad.”
The Secret Life of Pronouns
Recommended by Julia Markish
This is a book that I love no matter who you are but I think it’s incredibly apt for communicators. It’s called “The Secret Life of Pronouns” by James Pennebaker. He is a social psychologist and a linguist and he has run or collected just myriad studies about how the language that you use specifically the pronouns that you use in your speech or in your writing can tell so much about you. Whether you use I or we or you and it’s the coolest, highly, highly, highly recommend it particularly if you want to sort of do a little bit of self-reflection. I have to warn people that it does really make you reread your emails, probably more, even more than you used to because you’re like counting how many times you use the word I and what does that mean about myself.
Hamlet’s BlackBerry
Recommended by Crystalee Beck
For me, that’s “Hamlet's BlackBerry.” It was required reading for my master’s program, and it’s by William Powers. It’s a phenomenal book about how to create a good life in the digital age, and it’s one that I’ve reread pretty regularly. It’s just really, really good. We live in such a busy world, and he just nails what you need to do to unplug and … Yeah, Hamlet’s Blackberry. Good stuff.
Change by Design
Recommended by Michelle Mahony
The book I would recommend is called “Change by Design” by Tim Brown. It's really around putting that design thinking, and that employee, at the center of what we do in organizations to increase our communication's effectiveness. Great stuff. Lately in our organization, we've really been doing a lot of thinking, and playing with design thinking, and essentially what that is, it's really putting your end user at the center of how you create and design your strategy, or your product.