Overview
I was approached by a global technology company to develop an internal communications strategy that would improve how they communicated across the organisation. The goal was to assess their current approach, set clear objectives for the future, and provide a plan for how to achieve those goals. My role was to create a clear, actionable roadmap that addressed key communication challenges and outlined the steps to strengthen internal messaging.
Objective
The primary objective was to develop a strategy that helped the company understand where their internal communications stood, where they wanted to go, and how to get there. The strategy needed to reflect the company’s diverse, global workforce while providing practical steps for improving communication across the organisation.
Strategy and Process
I developed the Internal Communications: Strategic Overview and Roadmap 2019, which served as a detailed guide for enhancing internal communication. The plan was structured around key questions that helped the organisation understand its current strengths and challenges while setting a path for future improvements. Key components included:
1. Benefits and barriers: Identifying what was working well and what obstacles were hindering effective communication.
2. Where are we now?: A clear evaluation of the current state of internal communications.
3. Where do we want to be?: Setting clear goals that aligned with the company’s overall strategy.
4. How will we get there?: Outlining specific actions to meet the company’s communication goals.
5. How far have we come?: Reviewing progress from previous initiatives and identifying opportunities for improvement.
6. Next steps (IC Roadmap 2018/19): A step-by-step plan for the company to follow in the coming year to improve their internal communication efforts.
7. Strategic overview: A concise summary of the strategy to ensure everyone in the organisation understood the direction and goals.
Challenges
The main challenge was to create a strategy that would work on a global scale while also considering the different cultural and regional needs of the company’s workforce. As an external consultant, it was important to ensure that the messaging felt consistent with the company’s established voice, while also offering practical, realistic solutions for improving communication. This required a deep understanding of their internal dynamics and the ability to deliver recommendations that would resonate across teams.
Results
The internal communications strategy I delivered provided the company with a clear plan for enhancing their communication efforts. It was well-received by their teams, who appreciated the actionable steps and clear goals. The strategy helped the company improve how they communicated internally, leading to better alignment with their overall business objectives and positive feedback from staff across the organisation.
Client Testimonial
"Kim completed a communications project for me that exceeded my expectations. She was amazing to work with—friendly, diligent, and clear! Her vast experience in strategic communications was evident in the quality of her work. Even as an external consultant, she delivered a piece of work that was highly relevant. Would absolutely work with her again!"
—Director of Global Communications