What are the best communication protocols for your organization?

1 Communication goals

The first step to establish effective communication protocols is to identify your communication goals. What are the main purposes and outcomes of your communication? For example, do you want to inform, persuade, instruct, or collaborate with your audience? Depending on your goals, you will need different types of communication protocols, such as reports, proposals, manuals, or meetings. You will also need to consider the frequency, duration, and format of your communication. For example, do you need daily updates, weekly reviews, or monthly reports? Do you prefer written, oral, or visual communication?

2 Communication channels

The second step to establish effective communication protocols is to choose the most appropriate communication channels for your goals and audience. Communication channels are the mediums or platforms that you use to deliver your messages, such as email, phone, video call, chat, or social media. Each channel has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the level of interactivity, formality, and richness of information that you need. For example, email is a good channel for formal and detailed communication, but it can also cause delays and misunderstandings. Video call is a good channel for interactive and expressive communication, but it can also create technical and environmental issues.

3 Communication styles

The third step to establish effective communication protocols is to adapt your communication styles to your goals, channels, and audience. Communication styles are the ways that you express your ideas, opinions, and emotions, such as assertive, passive, aggressive, or passive-aggressive. Each style has its own impact on the effectiveness and quality of your communication. For example, assertive communication is a style that respects your own and others' rights and needs, while passive communication is a style that avoids or denies your own rights and needs. You can improve your communication styles by using clear, concise, and courteous language, listening actively, and empathizing with your audience.

4 Communication feedback

The fourth step to establish effective communication protocols is to ensure that you receive and provide constructive communication feedback. Communication feedback is the response or reaction that you get from your audience, or that you give to your sender, after a communication exchange. It can help you measure the success of your communication, identify areas of improvement, and resolve any issues or conflicts. You can enhance your communication feedback by asking open-ended questions, summarizing key points, expressing appreciation, and suggesting solutions.

5 Communication resources

The fifth step to establish effective communication protocols is to use and share relevant communication resources that can support your goals, channels, styles, and feedback. Communication resources are the tools or materials that you use to create, deliver, or enhance your messages, such as templates, guides, checklists, or examples. They can help you save time, improve consistency, and increase clarity of your communication. You can find and create communication resources by researching best practices, consulting experts, or using online platforms.

6 Communication examples

The sixth and final step to establish effective communication protocols is to review and learn from some communication examples that illustrate the application of the previous steps. Communication examples are the samples or cases that show how communication protocols are used in real or hypothetical situations, such as emails, presentations, meetings, or conversations. They can help you understand the principles, techniques, and outcomes of effective communication. You can access and analyze communication examples by reading books, articles, or blogs, watching videos or podcasts, or joining courses or workshops.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?