What does cascade mean?

Cascading information involves a structured approach where messages are passed down from senior leaders to middle managers and then to their respective teams. This strategy is often used for important announcements, policy changes, or any information that needs to be consistently communicated across the entire organisation.

Why is cascading relevant to internal comms?

Cascading is a fundamental technique in internal communications because it helps maintain message integrity as it moves through the organisational hierarchy. It ensures that all employees receive the same core information, which is crucial for consistency, clarity, and alignment with organisational goals.

Examples of cascading in internal comms

An example of cascading might be the rollout of a new company-wide policy, where the leadership team first communicates the policy to department heads, who then relay the information to their managers, and so on, until all employees have been informed.

Best practices for cascading

Best practices include ensuring the initial message is clear and comprehensive, providing managers with the tools and support they need to effectively communicate the message to their teams, and establishing feedback channels to address any questions or concerns that arise during the cascade process.

Common challenges for cascading

Challenges can include ensuring the message remains consistent and undiluted as it is passed down through the levels, overcoming the "telephone game" effect where messages might get altered unintentionally, and engaging employees at every level to ensure the information is received and understood.

Cascading is an effective strategy for ensuring comprehensive and consistent communication across an organisation, fostering a well-informed and aligned workforce.