Communication in Corporate and Political Landscapes

 

Donald Trump. The former president changed the way politicians communicate to the public. He wanted to speak directly to his constituents in an informal manner. Many people knew where Trump stood on his views because of his tweets on his Twitter page. Rather than have his words misconstrued, Trump wanted people to read tweets straight from the horse’s mouth. Sometimes, a member of Trump’s staff would write his tweets in certain situations. Most people knew when Trump was tweeting because of the authenticity of the voice. Today’s discussion will focus on leadership and communication with internal, external and government groups.

Social Media Initiates Conversations

Politicians and corporate leaders are using social media as a tool to reach a larger audience. Social media offers an easier way to have a two-way conversation with the public. But leaders need to listen and engage rather than broadcast a message. “It’s a mindset shift, from that one-way communication to fostering a conversation,” said Beth Simone Noveck, director of the GovLab at New York University. It takes real skill to know how to do that and put that conversation together and focus it on solving a problem” (Bloomberg Cities, 2018). The federal government is still working on how to effectively communicate its messages on the various social media platforms. Traditionally, the government primarily used social media to broadcast static information or present updates on various agencies.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is one example of an organization that has not fully utilized the functions of its social media platforms. In 2017, FEMA “had only 634,000 Twitter followers (0.2 percent of the U.S. population) in advance of hurricane season” (Anthes, 2017). By comparison, Ellen DeGeneres had 96.6 million followers. In order to have better articulation with the public, FEMA added an integrated sign-up on its platforms that provides critical updates through Twitter in public emergencies.

Social media platforms play a vital role in emergency communication. “Communicating with the public via social media can be an effective way to disseminate safety information to keep people informed before, during and after emergencies,” said Homeland Security Foundation of America Chairman Eric Brown” (Anthes, 2017). During natural disasters, people need a way to stay informed on what is happening in their communities. They need access to resources that are essential in a weather-related crisis. Social media brings groups together to help those affected by natural disasters. When a tornado hit my hometown of Newnan, Georgia last month, the local government went directly to social media to provide updates on road closures and resources for residents to use such as hotspots for internet access and shelters for those who lost their homes.

One Voice

In corporate and government sectors, internal and external communication should have one cohesive message. External and internal communication teams need to collaborate in order to present consistent messages. Messages that are inconsistent can lead to confusion and disengagement among employees and the public. Sometimes there are exceptions. In the military, its internal and external messages can serve different purposes. My brother Josh, who is a public affairs specialist in the U.S. Army, said his internal media campaigns focus on bringing awareness to issues within the Army and executing a solution. His external messages focus on presenting the image the Army wants to promote so its allies and the American people can have confidence in the Army’s usefulness.

Internal communication, which is communication within an organization, includes official and unofficial communication. Official communication has to do with memos and policies. Unofficial communication involves the exchange of ideas and opinions and conversations around the water cooler. Internal communication is like a well-oiled machine. Each part has to work together in order to keep the organization running smoothly.

Supervision in an organization can promote or hinder internal communication. Employees would not benefit from internal communication with aggressive and retaliatory supervisors. Internal communication between supportive supervisors and employees would be favorable. My previous supervisor would stifle internal communications because he was a micro-manager who used aggressive tactics to get what he wants. He would not listen if an employee conflicted with his agenda.

External communication can be formal and informal. Formal includes press releases, reports or web pages. Informal has to do with employees talking about their organization to the public. External communication focuses on promoting the company and increasing revenue. The public’s perception of a company is just as important as the finances. Employees of a company can be treated as brand ambassadors. When employees talk positively about their company to the outside world, the company’s image is more favorable. Employers should treat their employees as they would treat their clients. If employers want their company to have a positive image, they should be supportive to their employees.

I’ve Got Your Six

There needs to be a level of trust between employers and employees. “Trust is the necessary pre-condition of effective communication and it requires new approaches to dialogue, engagement and openness,” (ResultsMap, 2017). Employee development is one area that requires trust between the supervisor and supervisee. Poor guidance on the supervisor’s part could impact the supervisee’s career in a negative way. The supervisee has to show initiative in order for the employee development plan to be successful.

When the trust of employees is broken by management, an increase in employee turnover occurs. At a restaurant I worked at in Georgia, there was a large amount of employee turnover because management was constantly changing. When employees no longer have a supervisor they can trust, many employees choose not to stay. Leaders should focus on building a foundation of trust with their employees. A leader should also fix their shortcomings. “A leader isn’t good because they’re right; they’re good because they’re willing to learn and to trust” (McChrystal, 2011). Employers can gain the trust of their employees by maintaining a level of honesty and respect.

In conclusion, internal and external communication should work hand in hand to deliver effective messages to stakeholders and the public. Social media platforms can be used by government agencies to improve the effectiveness of its messages to its target audience. Trust will help create a positive relationship between employers and employees. Companies will not succeed with employers who only think about themselves and the bottom line. When companies focus on the morale of its employees and the coherence of its internal and external messages, success is possible.

References

Anthes, M. (2017, October 02). Social Media As A Vital Engagement Platform for Government Outreach. Retrieved April 12, 2021 from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2017/10/02/social-media-as-a-vital-engagement-platform-for-government-outreach/?sh=7e26f60b4b29

Bloomberg Cities. 4 strategies that are defining the future of city communications (2018, April 25). Retrieved April 12, 2021 from https://bloombergcities.medium.com/4-strategies-that-are-defining-the-future-of-city-communications-4ff43fbde975

McChrystal, S. (2011). Listen, learn…then lead. Retrieved April 12, 2021 from https://www.ted.com/talks/stanley_mcchrystal_listen_learn_then_lead/up-next

Results Map. 8 Best Practices in Government Communications. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2021, from https://www.resultsmap.com/blog/8-best-practices-in-government-communications