This Internal Communication Mistake Could Go Viral—Literally
Ever been in a meeting where you’re called in at the last minute to "discuss the internal stuff?" Yeah, it stings. One of my clients knows that feeling all too well. She leads internal communication, while her external comms colleagues treat it like the "other" function. Two different teams. Two different senior leaders. And a big disconnect.
I’ve been there. Many of us have. But here’s the truth: the line between internal and external communication? It’s fading fast.
We’ve all seen it—the leaked company memo that goes viral, or the employee who records their firing and posts it online. As Staffbase's Employee Communication Impact Study says, “the wall between internal and external communication no longer exists.”
Right now, I’m working with my client to bridge that gap and create a stronger partnership with her external comms team. Here’s how you can do the same.
Prioritize Internal Audiences First
Make sure your internal teams hear about news before it hits the public. This builds trust and avoids making your employees feel left in the dark when big changes or announcements happen. A heads-up to your team goes a long way in creating a culture of transparency.
Turn Employees into Brand Champions
Encourage your employees to share company content on their personal and professional social channels. This expands your reach authentically, as people tend to trust information more when it comes from an individual, not just a corporate page. Create shareable content and incentivize participation.
Address External Events Internally
Stay ahead by communicating about external events that could impact your employees—whether it’s a natural disaster or a political shift. Being proactive shows that you care and are attuned to how outside issues may affect your team, fostering a more resilient internal culture.
Need support navigating these challenges? Let’s talk! My 90-for-90 coaching package offers 90 minutes of personalized coaching for $90—perfect for quick, actionable insights without a big commitment. We’ll craft a plan tailored to your goals and get you clear on your next steps.