Why to do an internal communication digital transformation?
In my last article I talked about how to achieve a successful digital transformation and the benefits for the organization. In this article I will dwell on the internal communication digital transformation as one of the key elements necessary to achieve the desired transformation of the company.
What is internal communication digital transformation?
Internal communication digital transformation is the use of modern digital tools to automate and elevate the role of communication in the Organization. Transforming internal communications is not the simple use of digital solutions or platforms for employees to communicate, but integrate those solutions with the other elements required or the digital transformation of the organization, namely: strategy, culture, and employees.
Which came first: the chicken or the egg??
When talking about digital transformation and internal communication, this philosophical dilemma comes to our mind: you cannot achieve digital transformation if you do not implement an internal communication digital transformation first; but in order to do that you need to have an organization digital transformation plan in place.
So the dilemma: Who comes first, as illustrated above? The answer is simple: Once you decide to incorporate technology to transform your company and rip its benefits, you have to design your internal communication strategy first. Once the employees at all levels are engaged and motivated by the communication tools incorporated, you can perfect your organization digital transformation strategy and plan.
Internal communication digital transformation process
The way to achieve an effective internal communication digital transformation is similar to any process change project. I summarize the three basic steps:
Set clear and realistic goals: Understand your business and the communication workflow. Identify the deadlocks and dead ends and, based on that, develop the rocks of your internal transformation. The goals must be consistent at every level, and the digital tools must bring as much benefit as possible on both sides.
Plan the execution: Develop a detail plan with schedules, responsible person, and involved team.
Monitor the progress: Use the same tools you selected to track the progress and the effectiveness of the plan and, more important, make the adjustments required to ensure a successful implementation.
Communication digital transformation tools available
There is a plethora of tools developed to digitize and improve the internal communications. In this article I will focus in the 6
Intranet: The modern intranet platforms are very much like the known social media ones, with the difference that the former is a social internal network. It can be used to find information needed, share knowledge, create groups of people with common interests, and allow interaction with remote and field operating coworkers.
Instant Messaging: This tool is very useful to quickly communicate your employees at all levels, just as WhatsApp and other platform do at personal level. With it team members can ask questions, confirm meeting dates, and clarify doubts.
Collaboration and workflow management tools: workflow and project management tools allow collaborative teams and managers to keep track of the smooth execution of tasks and projects, avoiding deadlocks and misplaced tasks. This type of tools also allows share and comment on office documents, like Excel or Word.
Video conferencing: Video conferencing tools became very popular since the COVID pandemic, and have evolved to be an essential and effective communication tools, which saves time and money.
Interactive Newsletter: this is one of the core elements of an internal communication strategy. You can use digital newsletter to keep all employees current on important events, commend workers for outstanding achievements, and clarify doubts.
Feedback tools: human beings are prone to give importance to baseless comments. That is why many entrepreneurs fear creating a space for employees to post their thoughts. But any communication transformation strategy MUST have such a space because it is the only way to take the pulse of the company. There is a vast range of options, from the most controlled to the most open ones. I find employees survey apps very useful for this.
Conclusion
Your communications transformation plan must be designed to drive employee engagement and cultivate brand promoters. This will be the base for the entire organization digital transformation.
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