Can we learn about Internal Comms from TV show “The Traitors”?

We’re big fans of The Traitors (UK) here at Guru HQ. It’s a fascinating insight into human psychology, into trust and loyalty (and mistrust and disloyalty!), group dynamics, bias, moral dilemmas, and mob mentality and emotional manipulation.

Also, Claudia is quite fabulous.

As the third UK series comes to its gripping climax this evening, we thought we’d have a bit of Friday fun and see if we could learn anything about internal comms in business from the shenanigans of the show. (I mean, if we reckon we could learn something from The Eurovision Song Contest, there must be a chance here, right?)

And it turns out, there are some great parallels between internal communications and the dynamics of?The Traitors. Here’s what we can learn about internal comms from the show:

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1.?Transparency is key (but strategy matters)

In?The Traitors, mistrust runs rampant because key players withhold crucial information. Similarly, in workplace communication, a lack of transparency can breed suspicion and disengagement. However, just as in the game, not everything needs to be revealed at once — timing and delivery matter. Knowing when to share sensitive updates or strategic decisions is critical.

Lesson:?Communicate clearly, but tailor your message for the right audience at the right time.

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2.?Trust is the foundation of good communication

The players in?The Traitors?thrive or fail, and live or die, based on their ability to build trust. A workplace is no different. If employees feel the "Traitors" of miscommunication lurking (vague memos, mixed messages, or radio silence from leadership), trust breaks down, and collaboration suffers.

Lesson:?Consistent, honest communication builds a culture of trust where employees feel valued and included.

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3.?Listen to all voices

In the show, players who dismiss quieter voices or ignore certain perspectives often miss key insights — and pay the price. Similarly, organisations must ensure that internal comms reach?and engage?everyone, from confident team leaders and vocal extroverts to introverted individual contributors who prefer to blend in.

Lesson:?Create open channels for communication where every employee feels heard, not just the loudest or most senior voices.

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4.?Avoid the "us vs. them" mentality

The division between "Faithfuls" and "Traitors" mirrors the pitfalls of siloed communication in organisations. When departments or teams hoard information or work in isolation, it fosters a deeply unproductive and unhealthy "us vs. them" mindset.

Lesson:?Break down silos by encouraging cross-departmental communication and collaboration.

5.?Adaptability is everything

In?The Traitors, players constantly reassess their alliances and strategies as the game evolves. Internal comms teams must do the same. Whether it’s shifting to a hybrid workforce, managing crises, or embracing new tools, adaptability keeps communication relevant and effective.

Lesson:?Regularly evaluate and evolve your communication strategy to meet the needs of your workforce.

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6.?Overcommunication can be as harmful as under-communication

In the show, players who overanalyse or talk too much often sow confusion or suspicion. Similarly, bombarding employees with too many messages, especially irrelevant ones, can overwhelm and disengage them.

Lesson:?Focus on quality over quantity in your communications. Prioritise clarity and relevance.

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7.?Celebrate wins (even small ones)

Players often bond and build morale by celebrating shared victories, like identifying and banishing a Traitor. In the workplace, recognising achievements, big or small, fosters a sense of connection and motivates employees to keep pushing toward collective goals.

Lesson:?Use internal comms to shine a light on team and individual successes, keeping morale high.

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8. The stakes are real; the stakes are high

Traitors face a moral quandary: how far will they go to win? For viewers, it raises questions about whether deceit is justifiable in a competitive setting. Ultimately,?The Traitors?resonates because it strips human interactions down to their rawest elements: trust, fear, suspicion, and survival. It’s a psychological drama that reflects both our deepest vulnerabilities and our capacity for cunning and resilience.

But it resonates most because the people are real and the prize at the end is real. People are actually winning (or missing out on) a substantial cash prize because of the game play, the lies, the deceit, the trust, the manipulation.

And so it is for business. The consequences of not following good communication practices can be devastating. One of the consequences of not harbouring a culture of open and transparent comms is a disengaged and distrusting workforce. Another is misinformation. Or knowledge silos. It all adds up to poor productivity, lost customers and contracts, and a hit to the bottom line. Actual, real world cash.

Lesson: Invest in robust communications (and keeping them healthy) or risk significant financial losses further down the line.

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Final Thought:

Whether you’re rooting out Traitors or rolling out a new project, the stakes in communication are high. Just like in the game, success lies in building trust, listening actively, and staying adaptable. So, while?The Traitors?might keep us on the edge of our seats, it also offers a playbook for fostering honest, effective, and engaging internal comms. Now, who’s ready to form an alliance?