How can you make communication channels accessible to all senior stakeholders?

2 Choose appropriate communication channels

The next step is to choose the most appropriate communication channels for each senior stakeholder group or individual. Communication channels are the means or modes through which you deliver your messages, such as email, phone, video conference, chat, or face-to-face. You should consider factors such as the purpose, frequency, urgency, and formality of your communication, as well as the availability, accessibility, and preference of your senior stakeholders. For example, you may use email for regular updates, phone for urgent issues, video conference for presentations, and face-to-face for relationship building.

3 Adapt to different communication styles

The third step is to adapt to the different communication styles of your senior stakeholders. Communication styles are the ways that people prefer to communicate and receive information, such as assertive, analytical, expressive, or amiable. You should be aware of your own communication style and how it may differ from or complement your senior stakeholders' styles. You should also use techniques such as active listening, empathizing, clarifying, and summarizing to communicate effectively and respectfully with different communication styles.

4 Use clear and concise language

The fourth step is to use clear and concise language in your communication with your senior stakeholders. You should avoid jargon, acronyms, slang, or technical terms that may confuse or alienate your senior stakeholders. You should also use simple and direct sentences, bullet points, headings, and visuals to organize and highlight your key messages. You should also proofread and edit your communication for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

5 Seek feedback and improve

The final step is to seek feedback and improve your communication channels with your senior stakeholders. You should ask for and welcome feedback from your senior stakeholders on how they perceive and value your communication. You should also monitor and measure the effectiveness and impact of your communication channels, such as the response rate, engagement level, satisfaction level, or outcome achievement. You should also be open to change and adapt your communication channels as needed to suit the changing needs and expectations of your senior stakeholders.

6 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?