4 C’s of Intra Company Communication

Shawnee Love   •  
November 4, 2011

Intra-company communication, the internal kind from leaders to employees was the topic of LoveHR’s August 2010 newsletter. This is the age of information, technology and social media. There is no reason to not communicate, yet I think we may be worse at it than ever! Emails are misinterpreted and instant messages are terse. Overuse of them delivers the message that we don’t care enough to connect.

I made this observation once to a colleague, and she disagreed pointing out that dating websites exist because people are effectively connecting via technology and the web. While I see her point, I also have noticed that the dating sites with the “best” reputations are promoting how they help compatible people meet. E Harmony spends a fortune on TV advertising speaking to the fact that their couples loved their first dates which all seemed to happen in person.

In dating and at work, a little face time can go a long way and combined with the fundamentals of strong communication can mean the difference between a decent team and a great one. Without further adieu, I give you the 4Cs of intra-company communication.

Clear

For the message to be heard, it must be understood. Practice delivering the message and solicit feedback so you are sure your message is heard how you mean it.

Concise

Don’t say something in 100 words when 10 will do. People won’t listen if you waste their time.

Consistent

Although the words can differ, the message should be the same. Consider Molson Canadian beer. From Joe’s TV rant to self-deprecating billboards about the Canadian summer, its ads drive home the message that Molson Canadian is completely and utterly Canadian. Not bad for a company owned by Americans.

Continual

For your communication to work it must make like the energizer bunny and “keep going and going” and “really last”. (Note Energizer’s consistent messaging.) Continual means always reiterating your message and in business you can use a variety of media including email, instant message, intranet, newsletter, bulletin board, broadcast, and most importantly, in person.

If you do a good job of the 4Cs, then your message will perpetuate and be remembered which is what a good message is all about.