How can internal communications professionals improve their digital skills?

Number ONE - be curious and play. If you feel you are lacking, there are plenty of online resources. Work out what area interests you the most and then carve out your expertise in your team. Sure you can ask your peers if you want to get up to speed OR you can work out what is missing in the team and then be the best. In these time of AI it is about where you can add value, it is not simply about keeping up.

Embrace the art of unlearning. In the fast-paced world we live in, clinging to outdated knowledge can be a hindrance. Take intentional breaks to reassess and unlearn practices that no longer serve a purpose. Just like upgrading software, upgrading your skills requires shedding the unnecessary to make room for the relevant. This ability to unlearn can be a powerful catalyst for innovation and adaptability, setting you apart in a constantly evolving landscape.

Numerous online resources are available. Identify the area that captivates you the most and then cultivate your expertise within your team. While you can certainly seek guidance from your peers to catch up, consider identifying gaps within the team and striving to excel in those areas. In the era of AI, the focus is on where you can contribute value, not just on staying abreast of developments.

To measure your reality and your normal situation - you should be creative and come up with a personal decision on how to measure. It can be a survey or an interview, maybe the A/B test. You understand the benchmark only in dynamics. You can see stats for month-Q-year, and situation in different seasons. Just think what data do you need and how you can get it? You want understand whether people are happy with a new tool? Launch a short survey with 5-star rating. Need to understand whether people read news in your IC channel? Ask them. Ask for detailed feedback. Ask to choose preference of the channel. Fix the problems, wait for implementation. Ask the same questions. Compare. Here is your data. But start with needs and goals.

Continuous feedback loops empower you to iterate and refine your strategies. You can test new approaches, adjust tactics, and measure impact, ensuring you're always on the path to improvement. Effective steps to follow consist of: 1) Requesting Feedback: Actively reach out to your stakeholders for feedback on your digital communication efforts. Don't wait for it to come to you; ask for it. 2) Being open and receptive: Approach feedback with an open mind. Embrace constructive criticism as an opportunity to learn and grow. 3) Setting clear objectives before seeking feedback. This helps your feedback providers give more targeted input. 4) Acting on the feedback, tracking the results and celebrating successes.

When you’re looking to improve your digital skills, consider experimenting with it in your personal life. Try learning how to master different social media platforms, create a podcast or even recording videos with your phone. You should also be a consumer as well, taking in different mediums and observing what you like, what you don’t like, and perhaps even what you would change.