Managers are a crucial target group for your strategy communication. However, most organisations don’t have a structured approach for reaching this target group. They never move beyond some general messages in the internal newsletter, an uninspired mass communication, or boring presentations in staff meetings.
But you can be different!
Here are 5 hands-on tips for communicating strategy professionally:
Tip #1: Increase recognition − Strategy Execution as a strong brand
Position Strategy Execution as a specific brand in your organisation. Link each communication with the brand. Managers will recognise the brand and make connections to previous communications.
Tip #2: Maximise existing channels
You can communicate through a variety of channels − but using more channels doesn’t automatically mean better communication. Focus on effectiveness. Use the medium that best serves your purpose .
Tip #3: Give your managers a helicopter
It’s often hard to maintain an overview, to see the bigger picture. It helps tremendously when managers have easy access to that bigger picture. Build a high-quality intranet site for this − you’ll find some pointers in Question 15 .
Tip #4: Use a direct marketing approach
Learn from marketers and address your people personally.
An example: capture the questions from a communication session. Translate them into a Q&A format and send a personal e-mail with the answers (a few days later) to your target group. You can repeat this process several times, adding new answers.
It’s relatively simple to organise an individualised mass-mailing. Never done this? There is bound to be someone in your company who can help you.
Tip #5: Communicate about the process
Communicate about the Strategy Execution process itself and the concrete role of the manager. This helps create the big picture.
Some ideas:
- What is Strategy Execution?
- Why is this so important for our company?
- What’s expected from a manager?
- How can I improve my Strategy Execution skills?
- Where can I find the information I need?
You can hold a short brainstorming session to call out the most important process questions. Or a few phone calls might give you enough information to get going. You can also use our Q&A list for inspiration.
Remember: Always look for the managers’ benefits and include them in your answer!
