High-performance strategies

Research by international consulting firm Watson-Wyatt identified three communication traits of high-performance organizations:

1.  Communicate with and educate people

Communications programs in high-performing organizations place a greater emphasis on helping people understand their business—its values and culture, its progress toward goals, and how people can contribute to improving performance.

2.  Explain change

50% of employees in high-performing organizations were satisfied or very satisfied with how effectively their downwards communications programs explained and promoted major changes in the organization, compared to 39% in all other organizations.

3.  Provide channels for upward communication and listen to what people say

Employees in high-performing organizations rated their upward communication channels as effective and reported that employee input was used in decision making.

High-performance tactics

After studying 10 international companies and conducting an exhaustive literature review, the international consulting firm Deloitte identified four communication-related factors that help organizations achieve their goals:

1.  Clarity of purpose

Successful organizations and initiatives focus on a few key messages. Leaders in successful organizations are consistent in their messages and ensure that everyone involved understands the goals and how to achieve them.

2.  Effective communication methods

The level of trust and openness in various key activities is critical for success. People at all levels can ask for information and expect to receive honest, useful answers.

3.  Effective sharing of information

Information sharing is effective when systems and networks enable people to:

• Have the right information at the right time to do their jobs
• Share opinions
• Discuss ideas
• Circulate best practices
• Learn from each other

4.  Walking the talk

Leaders must also be good communicators so they can share their ideas convincingly. Their behaviour must be consistent with what they are saying, both formally and informally.