An HR professional recently confessed her chief frustration to me: “information I just can’t seem to get across, whether I shout or whisper it.”
If you sometimes wonder which “voice” to use to reach your employees and get them to act, this blog is for you.
The Inside Voice draws on many strands of effective communications practices and focuses them specifically for internal use in your company. We recognize that you face a variety of challenges, from establishing internal standards to "framing" news to motivating employees to take a next step on some issue of consequence. Which strategy, tactic, voice, is your best bet in each new circumstance?
As an HR professional, you have been designated an essential company “inside voice.” New candidates hear your voice first when they interview. You present the company profile, paint a picture of the culture, outline benefits and opportunities. It is your assistance with onboarding, education and training that help shape an employee’s career…and those careers, in turn, that shape tomorrow’s company.
The voice of frustration I described at the start of this column comes from having those exciting responsibilities in an increasingly demanding climate. Today’s overwhelming challenges mean your employees are more preoccupied than ever, making them harder to reach.
That’s where this blog comes in. Ideas, insight and guidance are yours through The Inside Voice. Which strategy to use—and which voice—to break through the clutter. How to make e-mail work…when to stop e-mail and start blogging…how to draw on resources outside the HR area…which voice (and tone) to choose for executives vs. new-hires vs. peers.
Look here for an approach to HR communications that maximizes your effectiveness. We promise more than "best practices" and great tips. You'll find new perspectives, a fresh universe of thinking, tools you haven't considered--and help with choosing among them. And a forum for sharing what's worked for you, what you still need, what you want me to address.
Stay tuned to The Inside Voice for workable ways to be heard, company-wide.
Great job Jane! I agree...great title, design and content. Should be a terrific tool for you!
Posted by: Elizabeth Borton | May 18, 2009 at 02:18 PM
Congratulations, Jane, on the new HR Communications Blog. A lot of thought went into the choice of the blog title, design, etc. and I applaud you.
Posted by: Joanne Maly | May 13, 2009 at 08:40 PM
Jane, welcome to the blogosphere! I know a lot of organizations struggling with their "inside voice" who can benefit from your expertise. I'm looking forward to more great content from you!
Posted by: Sybil F. Stershic | May 12, 2009 at 11:21 AM