What is Honest Communications?
Honest communications in the context of internal comms refer to the practice of sharing information within an organisation in a transparent, forthright, and sincere manner. It involves conveying messages truthfully, without withholding significant information or presenting it in a misleading way, thereby fostering trust and integrity within the workplace.
Why is Honest Communications relevant to internal comms?
Honest communications are fundamental to internal comms as they build a foundation of trust between the organisation and its employees. By being open and transparent in communications, companies can cultivate a culture of honesty, encourage open dialogue, and enhance employee engagement and loyalty. This transparency is especially crucial during times of change or crisis, where clear, truthful communication can significantly impact employee morale and trust in leadership.
Examples of Honest Communications in internal comms
This could include transparently discussing company challenges during town hall meetings, openly sharing changes in management or strategy through internal newsletters, or providing clear and honest feedback during performance reviews.
Best practices for Honest Communications
Ensure all communications are clear, accurate, and free from ambiguity.
Address both positive developments and challenges openly, providing context and reasoning behind decisions and changes.
Encourage a two-way communication channel where employees can ask questions and express concerns freely.
Common challenges for Honest Communications
Balancing transparency with the need to protect sensitive information.
Overcoming resistance or fear that may arise from being open about challenges or failures.
Ensuring that honesty does not lead to harmful bluntness or insensitivity.
What does Honest Communications mean for frontline teams?
For frontline teams, honest communications ensure they are well-informed and feel valued and trusted, which is essential for their day-to-day interactions with customers and their overall job satisfaction. It empowers them to perform their roles with confidence and integrity, knowing they have the full picture of the company's situation and goals.
Honest Communications FAQs
How can we maintain honesty in communications without causing unnecessary worry among employees?
By pairing honest information about challenges with clear plans for how these challenges will be addressed, thereby providing reassurance along with transparency.
Can honest communications include admitting when the leadership does not have all the answers?
Yes, admitting uncertainty can be a powerful way to build trust, as it demonstrates humility and openness, provided it is accompanied by a commitment to finding solutions.
How do we train managers to communicate honestly and effectively?
Through workshops and training sessions that emphasise the importance of transparency, teach sensitive communication skills, and provide strategies for delivering difficult messages.
