Question: What is one tip for communicating important news (key hires, funding, etc.) to the entire company?
Embrace Brevity
"Keep the message simple. You probably have a lot to say about the important news, but you want to deliver clear and concise information to your employees so everyone understands. Don’t leave any room for speculation."
@aatanacio
Stagger Staff Meetings
"It can be difficult to maintain culture and communication when you have many part-time employees or employees who come into the office on different days. For this reason, hold staff meetings on two distinct days to capture the greatest number of attendees overall. Then, be sure to send a summary of meeting notes to the whole team to account for any individuals who aren't able to attend."
@logicprep
Maintain an Open Door Policy
"Although you may share all important updates in a company-wide email, you want to also make it clear that your "door is always open." Company-wide emails are the most efficient way of sharing widespread information, but it is also extremely impersonal and may leave employees feeling that their voice is not heard. Let them know they can always come and chat with you regarding any announcements."
@milesj
Communicate Early and Often
"Rather than sending out a monthly newsletter, we try to communicate news as it happens. This helps employees stay updated on company events and prevents some people from knowing information that others don't. By keeping information accessible, you can create a stronger sense of community and ownership among the team."
@bkparikh
Use Video
"If you have a message that matters -- good or bad -- use video. Seeing someone's face and non-verbal communication activates mirror neurons and enhances emotional contagion. Whatever emotion you're wanting to spread and amplify (excitement, a sense of urgency, sadness) will be best spread by video. It's what our teams feel about our messages that will most determine how they respond to them."
@charliegilkey
Stay Ahead of Rumors
"Control the message ahead of the rumor mill. Regardless of whether you’re communicating good news or bad news, word travels fast and you want to proactively control key communications. Otherwise, you will come across as being reactive and will have to fight against misinformation."
@ThoughtsOnBiz
Articulate Why It's Important
"Do your best to frame the announcement in terms of how it fits with the company's mission. By doing so, you'll continue to galvanize your team around the mission, which will reinforce your company culture. Also, be honest and excited. Be transparent about how a key hire or funding will make the company better and help achieve the shared goals of the company."
@apthomas
Be Detailed and Thorough
"Make sure the news is direct but at the same time clear and thorough. You should use weekly meetings to make these announcements so they are not abrupt and out of the blue. Also, have your answers ready for questions your employees are most likely going to ask."
@jaynacooke
Email For Good News, Face-to-face For Bad News
"Email is an increasingly acceptable format for delivering good news like funding announcements, new hires, and key product improvements. But bad news should be delivered in person; if that's impossible, then at least over video. In the context of giving bad news, showing your face to the other person is common courtesy. Give people the opportunity to ask questions and react in a private medium."
@dnevogt
