Workplace CommuniWHAT?

I often get asked, how do we improve internal communications? What has worked well at other organizations?

I've worked to improve communications at various large scale and global organizations. A few things that I find work well, weather internally or externally, are:
• Start by assessing your organizations culture and structure via the lens of communications. Are you a virtual culture, a hierarchical culture, centrally located or scattered offices, privately or publicly held company, for profit or no profit etc.?
• Survey your various audience groups and stakeholders. Perform data collection. Ask what works well, what doesn’t, what communications vehicles they prefer, which they read/use most often etc.
• Interpret the responses to data collection and determine what is feasible within the given culture and structure of your organization.
• After you determine what you think may work best, have a debrief session with those audiences you asked to provide input. After all, if you want improved internal communication it should start with actually communicating!
• Implement specific content, vehicles, and frequencies based on the above. Don’t be afraid to contact a consultant or subject matter expert for a neutral review of your findings and assistance implementing recommendations.
• Reevaluate periodically. What communication strategy/plan works the best for your organization will really depend on understanding the culture and structure and implementing appropriately and then course correcting as needed.