Getting employees aligned, inspired and happy is one of the biggest challenges a CEO faces. Failure to communicate effectively could be a strategic mistake. Execution of a well-thought Strategy could be really daunting task if the CEO fails to establish a proper communication channel and broadcast the message the way it is supposed to be.
Here are some tips to do it:
1. Keep it Simple
People may always not understand your strategy. Make it so simple that any Tom-Dick & Harry can understand
2. Create a Communication plan
Communication Plan addresses in what route is the mesage reaching the target audience, in our case - the employees. Communication Routes could be in different shapes. There is no right or wrong shape. But plan it well. For Instance, you can talk to the managers who will talk to their sub-ordinates.
3. Use the Inspire-Educate-Reinforce framework
People have a bad memory. If they are not inspired, they will forget it. Even if they are inspired but don’t understand it, they will still forget it. If you just tell that great thing that is going to turnaround the company one time, they will forget it. That is why you should use Inspire-Educate-Reinforce Framework
4. Be Real
People have developed a stereotype of CEO and that image is not that nice. Leaders are seen as people who don’t speak from the heart and as manipulators. Solution – Be Real.
5. Tell Stories
People will forget. Make them remember by telling stories. They remember it longer.
6. Use Media in any shape available
Communication Channels are well laid out these days. They are cheap and easy. Use it. Use it in every available form.
7. Be Unexpected
Communicate to them. Communicate to them even if they would not expect it.
8. Make the necessary Investment
People are the most part of our investment. Hence, Communication is a very important part. Invest on it. Embrace it. It is strategically important
