Traits to Survive (and Thrive) as an IC Team of One
It’s no secret that internal communication teams often operate as teams of one. According to a trend report from tech startup Workshop, a staggering 44% of their IC survey participants were flying solo. Meanwhile, Gallagher’s latest State of the Sector report reveals that the average size of IC teams is shrinking at the enterprise level, with smaller companies averaging around 2.4 IC professionals for up to 499 employees.
The Juggle of a Solo IC Pro
When you’re a team of one, you juggle it all—you’re the strategist setting the big picture vision, and the tactician troubleshooting that broken link on the intranet. Multiple hats? You’re wearing every single one.
Key Traits for Success
From my own experience and conversations with many solo IC pros, I’ve pinpointed a unique set of traits essential for both surviving and thriving in this role:
Autonomy—You need to work independently and confidently without constant supervision. Embrace the freedom to make decisions and trust your instincts.
Self-Motivation—Drive yourself to tackle tasks and meet goals, even without external deadlines or pressure. Set your own pace and push yourself to achieve.
Courage—Be bold in voicing your ideas and taking calculated risks. Challenge the status quo and advocate for the resources and support you need.
Self-Advocacy—Stand up for yourself and your role. Articulate your needs, desires, and rights, and take action to ensure they’re recognized and addressed. More on that here.
Resilience—Bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward. IC can be demanding, so maintaining a positive attitude and perseverance is crucial.
Building Up These Traits
Feeling like you’re missing one of these traits? Here’s how to build them up:
Autonomy—Set clear goals and create a roadmap for your tasks. Start with small projects to build confidence in your decision-making.
Self-Motivation—Develop a routine that keeps you engaged. Celebrate small wins to stay motivated and on track. And don’t forget to share those wins with your supervisor and key stakeholders.
Courage—Practice assertiveness in low-stakes situations to build confidence. Seek feedback and use it to refine your approach. If you need to build your practical competence to build confidence, sign up for a course, ask an expert, or listen to an IC podcast.
Self-Advocacy—Document your achievements and share them with your stakeholders. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need to succeed.
Resilience—Build a support network of peers or mentors who understand your challenges. Develop stress-management techniques to stay balanced.
Need More Support?
Embracing these traits will not only help you navigate the challenges of being a solo IC professional but also set you up for long-term success.
Want more support as a team of one? Feel free to contact me.
