I’ve often taught that “one size fits all” is incorrect when it comes to corporate communications. Different personality and behavioral types are reading, listening, looking for certain answers to different questions. For example, Drivers are looking for action and results in messages while Amiables are looking for reassurance we’ll all be okay. Analytics are looking for thorough research and the analysis of different options before deciding on “this plan of action”. And so on.
Some need to ‘hear’ it one-on-one, or in a small group where they can un-embarrassingly ask their questions. Sometimes large groups are needed so everyone has a chance to hear the same thing in the same way and piggy-back off someone else’s question. Some need to hear it while others need to read or see it. Some need to ‘move’ through it like on-the-job training. Almost always true, the message needs to be repeated ad nauseum until it’s finally understood and assimilated into new behaviors, new procedures, new policies reaching your customers and suppliers through their interactions with your team.
In these times, it seems we need to be creative in our methods of communication. Christ was. After His resurrection, He appeared to many people. Often, according to the scriptures they didn’t recognize Him until...
...He spoke Mary’s name; she had to hear His voice outside the tomb
...He stood before Thomas; he had to touch His scars
...He broke bread at a meal; the two people walking and talking with Him for many miles needed to share a meal with Him—His voice and presence weren’t enough
...He created a miraculous catch of fish for Peter and John at the Sea of Galilee; only after a result beyond their own capabilities did they recognize Him
What do your staff and teams need to hear, see, feel, experience from you to better recognize what you want to communicate? How do you communicate your hopes, dreams, fears, faith, perseverance, tenacity to safeguard their efforts at keeping your organizational ‘boat’ afloat?
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