Hello there...

Welcome back to my latest newsletter - thank you so much for subscribing, it's great to see so many people onboard. While it's all a little new to me, I'm enjoying the process so far!

What a week...

Over the last week, I've been lucky enough to reconnect and have some amazing conversations with many of my contacts - a BIG thank you to everyone! (I’m guessing this LinkedIn thing works then?)

I've also been enjoying two projects that I'm currently working on, helping to shape the future direction of a brand new service and helping to improve profitability too! (perhaps I may share more on that in the coming weeks?)

"Working in Internal Communications is a privilege..."

About 15 years ago, someone shared this with me, and I really do think it's true. Internal communications is one of those few areas in an organisation that allows you to be exposed to and trusted with so much. Which makes sure there's never a dull day!

Watch your language David...

Don't know about you, but growing up I was constantly told off or reminded about my language, so it got me thinking about the importance of the language that we use, how useful / unhelpful it can be in an organisation, and how internal communications can, and should help to shape messages in the right way...

(Before I start, I want to make it clear that I'm using the example below to demonstrate my point, rather than a political statement).

For those of you who perhaps don't follow the news here in the UK, we're now in the party conference season, an annual gathering where political party members, MPs, and leaders discuss policies, strategies, and key issues...

Something that was said at the conference got me thinking...

"The NHS is broken..."

As the largest employer in the UK, the National Health Service (NHS) constantly seems to be used as a political football by the media and political parties alike. Last week the UK's current Health Secretary once again used the phrase above to highlight a point to all those watching, and (perhaps more importantly) everyone who works for the NHS.

Click here to read a little more on this

While it may be true that the NHS is facing significant challenges (I'd say that’s a better way to get your point across), I struggle with the word broken and actually think that describing the NHS as broken will do more harm than good (based on the conversations and debate that's been happening over the last few days since this was widely reported).

Words are important

Words are so important when sharing a message, and you always need to think about those you are talking to, and how that message is going to be received. It’s the same for any organisation, and while I’d not necessarily recommend pondering over every single word, it’s important to make sure that the words that are shared, are used advisedly and with thought.?

That’s where Internal communication can help…

Here are some pointers that may be of use to you and your teams who are getting ready to share an important message:

Think before you speak: plan it, and plan it some more…

• I’ve been lucky enough to work with many organisations, who’ve asked me to help with key briefings, events or updates (both internally and externally). Remember to review what you're going to say and the background to your message. Think carefully about how and when the message is going to be delivered…

Explain why:

• Let people know why this is important to you / the organisation, don’t leave it to chance – make sure that people understand why this is a big deal…

Be positive:

• I’m not suggesting that everything you say needs to be coated in cupcakes, unicorns and rainbows, but it’s important to make sure that the message that you are sharing is clear, honest and understood, don’t be afraid to talk it up if necessary…

Think about the 'what next':

• It’s all very well to share the message, but you also need to share the plan for how this opportunity is going to be overcome…
• Let everyone understand what needs to happen so they can then be clear about their role, and the support that’s available. Accountability is important so everyone knows their actions and how they can be part of the solution.

Follow up:

• Don’t just leave people hanging… it’s important to follow through with regular updates so everyone can see what progress is being made.

It’s going to get out:

• While we’re focusing on internal communications here, I always stress that the message will get out externally. Ask yourself, how would the message look as an article on the front of a newspaper? Words matter, so make sure you’re happy with the content by working alongside the team who manage your external messaging too.

Words matter:

Words (both positive and negative) matter, and can have a huge impact on colleague morale, that will directly impact on performance. Think about the words that you use to share your message in the right way… rather than talking things down.

One final thought…

By focusing only on what is “broken,” we fail to see the positive work that is happening each day.

Despite the challenges, the NHS has many success stories to tell… I hope that these successes will be shared as part of the government's plans on how they’re going to fix and rebuild what they think is broken…

In other news: Time to renew your spark? ?

Over the last 20 years I’ve been lucky enough to work with so many different organisations, helping to build and develop internal communication strategies, lead on change programmes, M&A activity and create events that sparkle.

In the final quarter of the year, I’m launching a brand new product to help internal communication teams realise the potential that they have.

It’s called renew your spark and is a chance to press the pause button, create some time to think and review of current activities, plans and strategies.

If you'd like to know more about renew your spark (or any of my other programmes), please do get in touch.

Want to know more?

It’d be great to connect again! Maybe you’ve got a question or an idea, either way… let me know! ?

Link to my website: www.sparkconsultants.co.uk

My LinkedIn profile: David Barber

Thanks, and speak soon.

Dave