Improving Internal Communications Using the S.L.A.C.K. Method

As the CEO of enterprises spanning? continents, languages, cultures, and time zones, I am the first to acknowledge that effective communication is essential to the success of our mission. While I’d like to tell you that we always nail internal communications, the truth is that we work hard to improve when we fall short. In doing so, we created a 5-letter acronym to improve our internal communication and ensure that we were able to pick up our own S.L.A.C.K.

S - Solicit Feedback

The first step in improving internal communication is to solicit feedback from colleagues. When colleagues are willing to give feedback openly, you know you’re part of a safe work environment. Using a strategy to solicit feedback that offers the option of anonymity creates an effective opportunity to solicit both positive and negative feedback–you might be surprised by what your colleagues like and dislike about what you’re already doing!?

L - Lead with Transparency

Once you’ve received feedback, determine how to revise internal communications practices. Be transparent about what you’ve learned based on feedback and be specific about how you plan to improve internal communications. Leading with transparency about where we’ve made mistakes and can do better goes a long way toward building trust. Admitting areas for improvement sets an example that reflection and growth are key tenets of your organization, a practice that helps build goodwill and creates a healthy work culture.?

A - Audience Segmentation

An important part of effective internal communication is ensuring that each piece of communication that lands in an email inbox is meant to land there. To segment effectively, I ask myself, Will this email enhance the ability of my colleague or me to do our jobs? If not, who should receive this email instead??

C - Be Clear, Concise, and Consistent

When you communicate within your organization, it’s crucial to trim the fat to clearly communicate the point. State what the purpose of the communication is at the top of the email, then get to the point quickly. As long as your tone is consistent in its concision and clarity, your organization will adjust to directness and even begin to appreciate that your communications are succinct and respectful of other people’s time. When I communicate across cultures and am concerned that my directness might be perceived negatively, I start the communication by saying that my intent is positive, then charge forward with clarity.

K - Know Your Timeline

Even when communications are clear, concise, and consistent, if you don’t allow your organization enough time to receive the communications and respond accordingly, further communication will break down. Think through your timeline, and ensure that communication is scheduled accordingly. Doing so will again ensure a sense of trust in your team, that you want colleagues to succeed and are giving the team every opportunity to do so.?

At the end of the day, a strategy is a model for success, not success itself. Organizations evolve, needs and priorities change, and leading with grace means paying attention to that change and adjusting along the way. Should you use this structure and find that communication begins to break down, loop back to the start and, in the immortal words of Edward Hickson, “try, try again.” With patience and perseverance, we’ll together improve communication, build healthier work cultures, and pick up the S.L.A.C.K.?

Carrie Rich

Mom, little humans

CEO, The Global Good Fund

CEO, Global Good x Amani

Managing Partner, Global Impact Fund