Most people consider formal communication channels
when driving change.
We know that providing a consistent message repeatedly,
in many styles and formats, with avenues for feedback and adjustment, is a
necessity.
Often, however, two elements are severely lacking
in communication planning: leveraging informal channels and building in the
time to do so.
Informal communication is based on relationships. It’s the drop by, the “water cooler” chat, or
a conversation over coffee.
It’s where all the action is!
That’s where we hear objections, ideas, and
constraints. It’s where we solve problems
and build support.
It’s also where we have an opportunity to adjust
our direction so that our formal messages are more accurate and consistent.
When we make use of all communication channels, formal
communication becomes more efficient. It
provides a venue for decision-making, a validation step, or an opportunity to maintain
focus and momentum.
Although informal communication is work, there is
rarely time built in to our schedules to address it, even though it pays for
itself by clarifying objectives and extending collaboration.
Hi Wally!
You are so right. Thanks for adding another dimension to the point!
Ann
When I studied top performing supervisors I found that they all used informal communication as their major channel. Small comments to most workers early in the process lets you make many small corrections and avoid having to make all but the most necessary big, formal corrections.
I cal this the Dinosaru Principle because behavior and performance problems, like dinosaurs, are easy to kill when they’re small or still in the egg. But if you let them grow up they can eat you, your time and your Land Rover.
Charlie: Me too!
I hope every boss makes use of formal and informal communication to their advantage. It’s a very useful tool if they know how to make use of it.
Hi John – very true. I think people are often better about considering the impact of their formal communications, but not as good at realizing the power of informal – both are definitely required!!
I think there should be a room for both informal and formal communications. Some situations may require the other and it would be great if both sides are given the opportunity.
OK 😉
We’ll meet at the first coffee corner we see then.
Fun!
Karin H.
SOBCon08 it is. I’m looking forward to meeting you already (and anyone out there that knows me can validate that I MUCH PREFER coffee!!).
Hi Ann
I run (and scream too) as hard as you – lets hold a race during SobCon 08 😉
But you are right: when there is that needed coffee corner (do you mind coffee instead of water?) mentality, organisation should ‘profit’ more from it.
What we (double Dutch English here, be warned) would call: making decisions on major issues in the hallways – wandelgangen in proper Dutch. 😉
Karin H.
Good Morning, Karin!
Sometimes I wish we were close enough to have a “water cooler” conversation. I know it would be fun and I’m sure I’d learn a lot.
You are correct – some people just aren’t approachable and some organizations don’t encourage open communication (I tend to run from those organizations screaming, but that’s another story.).
I’m thinking about situations where teams just aren’t considering the full picture.
I’ve seen too many times where teams go into a formal meeting with a “break through” idea and haven’t tried it on any of the people that are going to be in the room ahead of time.
So, their perspective is in danger of being insular or even misguided – a little guidance and a few opinions before hand can really enhance their message and its relevance to their audience.
Maybe we can find a conveniently located water cooler some time soon! Are you planning to come to the states at all???
Ann
Hi Ann
Although I do agree with your advice, can I add one issue though that might block the informal communication working ad effectively as intended?
First of all there has to be an ‘informal – formal’ communication mentality at the place of work. How many times have you noticed that ‘informal’ communications were halted at the spot the moment a manager comes to get his/her own coffee at the coffee-corner ;-)?
Karin H. (Keep It Simple Sweetheart, specially in business)