Don't underestimate the power of relationships to help your communication plans...

Working in internal communication is great, it's so rewarding, but hard work too.

This year I'm going to be sharing some of my wisdom each Wednesday to not only help people who may be struggling with how to communicate effectively, but to help stimulate and create debate by bringing together a few thoughts and ideas.

Question: How can I become a more effective communicator?

I get asked this question from time to time from clients that I work with, or people who are genuinely wanting to help themselves grow... and for me the answer lies in the relationships that you build.

Let's face it, you'd very rarely take up that offer from someone who cold calls you, or drops you a mail out of nowhere, and there's good reason for this. You don't know who they are or what they're about.

For me, one of the most important skills in internal communication is the ability to forge close bonds with those around you - to get things done. While you can rely on using your title, or who you work for - this is only going to get you so far, the real sweet spot is where you know and understand someone.

Some tips to help you along the way:

When I'm lucky enough to work with a group of leaders in an organisation to talk around communication, one of the first things I ask them to do is find out as much they can about the person sitting next to them. And the results are incredible!

How much do you really know them?

Take the time to get to know those you work with and around, what are their interests, passions, and hobbies. Do they have a family, what do they do at the weekend... you don't have to be a stalker, but take the time out to get to know them as a person.

Delivery will help:

Getting stuff done will certainly help you, but it only takes you so far. Make sure you "do the do" for them, and make sure they're happy with it. Yes, this may take a little bit of time - but when it comes to asking for some help, you've got some credit in the bank for your ask.

Listen:

I'm sure I'll mention this a few times in these updates, but it's important that you really listen to people - hear it, and take it in. This is the key to all communication - and it'll mean that you get to the answer far quicker.

It takes time:

For some people, this is going to take them right out of their comfort zone, I get that... and it's important to keep practicing and feeling comfortable doing this.

I love to take time out to talk to people and to hear their stories - it really helps me to build a rapport and to get to know them a little bit more.

Some questions:

• How do you use relationships where you work?
• How are you going to build relationships?
• What relationships do you need to work on, and how are you going to do that?