The Internal Communication Book Club with Rachel Miller, Monique Zytnik and Gary Hernandez
Jun 8, 2024
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Authors Rachel Miller and Monique Zytnik discuss their books on Internal Communications, emphasizing the shift towards strategic approaches, immersive strategies, understanding business, overcoming challenges, and shaping the future of communication.
Internal communicators need to operate strategically post-pandemic, emphasizing planning over reactivity.
Technological advancements challenge communicators to empower staff for effective communication.
Communication professionals must navigate systemic issues with ethical decision-making and strategic thinking.
Deep dives
Internal Communication Landscape Evolution Over the Past Five Years
Over the past five years, the internal communication landscape has transformed significantly, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This period highlighted the critical role of internal communicators in fostering credible and reliable information flow within organizations. While the pandemic brought increased attention to internal communication's benefits, it also intensified pressures for communicators to operate strategically rather than reactively. Teams are still adjusting post-pandemic to return to strategic planning after navigating through turbulent times.
Shifts in Communication Strategies with Technological Advancements
Technological advancements, such as remote working tools and increased technology integration for frontline staff, have reshaped internal communication strategies. The influx of social media usage and the recognition of employees as organizational advocates have prompted a focus on empowering staff for effective communication. Amidst diverse workforce generations, global events, and the rise of AI technology, internal communicators are challenged to adapt and incorporate immersive, multi-sensory, and interactive communication approaches.
Importance of Developing Internal Communication Strategies
In the current dynamic environment, communication professionals face challenges in developing strategies amid resource constraints and leadership's focus on immediate implementation. The critical need to articulate the importance of strategic planning and prioritize time for strategic development emerges as a key recommendation. Creating internal communication strategies is essential to align organizational goals, enhance communication effectiveness, and navigate complex communication landscapes.
Navigating Systemic Communication Challenges Responsibly
Internal communicators often encounter systemic issues like deficient leadership practices, inadequate policies, and insufficient resources that cannot be solely addressed through communication interventions. Despite being tasked with rectifying broader organizational challenges, communicators must exercise ethical decision-making and strategic thinking. To navigate such scenarios effectively, communicators are advised to challenge existing practices, ask critical questions, and advocate for comprehensive solutions.
Embracing Transformation in Internal Communication Proficiency
The evolving landscape of internal communication, marked by AI advancements and changing workforce dynamics, presents both opportunities and complexities for communication professionals. While technological innovations offer novel communication avenues, the need to upskill and adapt communication practices is paramount. Internal communicators are encouraged to leverage their expertise, foster ethical AI integration, and shape future generations' proficiency for impactful organizational communication.
Welcome to the International Association of Business Communicators EMENA region podcast, this is Gary Hernandez. I am a long-time IABC member, an ABC, and a Director on the EMENA Region board. It is my pleasure to host today’s podcast with special guests Rachel Miller and Monique Zytnik!
Rachel and Monique have both recently published new books which focus on Internal Communications:
- Rachel Miller: Internal Communication Strategy: Design, Develop and Transform Your Organization Communication
- Monique Zytnik: Internal Communication in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
We thought it would be great not only to take a look at these books, but also to discuss with Rachel and Monique the state of internal communication today.
We hope you enjoy the show!
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