Every organization designs and implements communication plans for its customers and clients because profitability keeps the lights on. But what about your reputational security internally? Who is looking out for you and your employees?

Internal communication planning strategically outlines a unique plan that will effectively convey messages to employees. In doing so, you are more likely to retain your employees because you place their value to your mission first. 

What isn’t simple is detailing the key information to be shared starting with the most critical components unique to your organization and the methods to distribute it. Oh, and that little nuance to align everything to your company’s mission and goals. Simple, right? I specialize in three areas of your ICP.

Effective Communication

I empower organizations to enhance communication between leaders, followers, and colleagues. Using a self-awareness model, employees train together to improve teamwork and develop effective leadership skills so they feel heard.

• Research: To understand the communication landscape, audience needs, and potential challenges.

• Action: To develop strategic communication plans and implement internal effective communication tactics.

• Communication: To craft clear internal communication messaging based on unique audience considerations.

• Evaluation: Measuring the effectiveness of communication efforts and making data-driven adjustments for continuous improvement.

Pre-Crisis Communication

Your number one audience for your organization is your employees. To take care of your employees, you need to provide the safety, trust and security they expect from their employer. With a pre-crisis communication plan, your organization will be prepared for potential crises to mitigate reputational damage and maintain stakeholder trust.

• Stakeholder communication mapping

• Risk assessment and vulnerability analysis

• Crisis communication plan development

Generational & Audience Communication

Tailoring your communication strategies based on your audiences is key to the overall health of your internal communication modeling. Effectively reaching everyone means being sensitive to individual communication preferences, cultural nuances, and generational differences.

• Audience analysis and segmentation

• Development of targeted messaging strategies

• Cultural sensitivity training guidance

Once you've defined your Internal Communication Plan (ICP) and aligned it with your company's mission and goals, it's crucial to prioritize your most valuable asset: your employees.

I partner with leadership to design and implement effective communication strategies that foster a positive work environment and boost employee engagement. I believe in an approach where each communication initiative is adapted based on feedback and results.

By learning from past experiences and celebrating successes, I help you create a communication approach that fosters employee retention, strengthens your workforce, and ultimately improves your company's financial health.

Missional & Cultural Awareness

Missional and cultural awareness unique to your organization enhances your onboarding process with new employees and reemphasizes the organization’s vision to current employees. This framework emphasizes the importance of new employees understanding the mission and vision of the organization. Starting at day one, employees have a higher probability of staying retained through providing opportunities to learn who you are, why you exist, and what you hope to have them help you achieve.

Realigning your onboarding process to your mission and culture will not only increase employee engagement but also strengthen the organization's brand and build a more cohesive and values-driven workplace. 

The Shift to Appreciation

Recognition is all about tracking the behavior and performance of an employee that proves good for the organization. Appreciation affirms the employee’s value to the organization creating an atmosphere where they feel connected to the mission.

Appreciation in the workplace is directly related to employee engagement, which is the emotional commitment the employee has to the organization and its goals. By realigning your recognition programming to appreciation, your organization will experience:

• a shift to intrinsic motivation rather than extrinsic rewards;

• fewer accidents and less theft;

• increased profitability due to greater productivity; and

• less turnover.

Shaping Communication facilitates the five languages of appreciation from Chapman and White through a two-hour interactive workshop with human resources and leadership teams.

Internal Communication Tactics

Effective internal communication is vital for a thriving workplace. Here are proven tactics to keep your team connected, informed, and engaged:

Employee Surveys: Gathering anonymous feedback on sentiment and satisfaction helps organizations identify strengths and find areas for improvement.

Focus Groups: To tackle specific issues, targeted focus groups can help build trust, inform decisions, and test new initiatives.

Informal Gatherings: Create opportunities for connection through team-building events, workshops, or work retreats to boost morale and encourage cross-functional collaboration in relaxed settings.

Onboarding Programs: Ensure new hires feel welcomed and quickly integrate into your culture by providing a thorough onboarding experience, setting them up for success on day one.

Digital Announcements: Deliver timely, visually engaging news, team achievements, and company milestones in common areas. 

Internal Storytelling: To build community, inspire and motivate your team by highlighting employee successes, team achievements, and company milestones.

Cultural Intelligence (CQ®) is the capability to relate and work effectively in culturally diverse situations. Research on CQ, which to date spans over 150 countries and more than 250,000 individuals, demonstrates those with Cultural Intelligence have four key capabilities:

CQ Drive

Your level of interest, persistence, and confidence during multicultural interactions.

CQ Knowledge

Your understanding about how cultures are similar and different.

CQ Action

Your ability to adapt when relating and working in multicultural contexts.

CQ Strategy

Your awareness and ability to plan for multicultural interactions.

In culturally diverse situations, CQ predicts:

• Personal adjustment, well-being, and psychological safety

• Trust, idea sharing, and low conflict

• Judgment and decision-making

• Negotiation effectiveness

• Leader and team performance

• Creativity and innovation

CQ Facilitation Options

Shaping Communication offers a diverse range of CQ solutions designed to equip individuals and organizations with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in today's interconnected world. From leadership development programs to engaging keynote presentations, Shaping Communication provides customized experiences tailored to your specific needs and goals. 

Whether you're seeking to enhance your leadership effectiveness, accelerate your professional growth, or cultivate a globally-minded workforce, our expert facilitator, Dr. Stefanie Leiter, will guide you on a journey of CQ development.

• CQ Solutions from Shaping Communication
  Start with a 30-minute free consultation to explore your unique needs and discover the best CQ solution for your team or organization.

• Leadership Development | 6-Month Immersive Program
  Deepen your leadership impact with a customized program focused on building high-CQ leadership skills.

• Professional Growth | 3-Month Accelerator
  Accelerate your professional development with a focused program designed to enhance your CQ and navigate diverse global contexts.

• Keynote Presentation
  Help your entire organization hear how CQ plays a critical role in today's interconnected world. This engaging presentation will provide valuable insights and inspire further exploration into the benefits of developing strong CQ skills.
  
  

• Half-Day Workshop
  Gain a foundational understanding of CQ and its practical applications in your daily interactions.
  
  

• Full-Day Immersive Experience
  Dive deep into the intricacies of CQ through interactive exercises, case studies, and practical strategies.
  
  

• Cultivating Global Citizens | 3-Year Academic Programs
  Equip students with the critical CQ skills needed to thrive as a global professional. (College, Secondary Education, Study Abroad tracks).