Four Key Steps for Strategic Internal Communication in the New Year

The start of a new year is an opportunity to set the tone for the months ahead. To kickstart a successful year in internal communication (IC), focus on key things that will shape the trajectory of your strategies. Here are the top four things I focus on at the start of each new year.

• Understanding Organizational Strategic Objectives
  At the heart of effective IC lies a deep understanding of organizational strategic objectives. These objectives serve as the guiding force that shapes your approach and priorities for the year. Take the time to dive into each new objective, ensuring what you do in IC this year will align with them.

• Engaging with Key Internal Stakeholders
  Reconnect with key internal stakeholders to gain insights into departmental priorities. Find out what big initiatives are on the horizon, understand their alignment with the overall organizational objectives, and develop a proactive plan to address them.

• Revisiting Your IC Strategic Priorities
  Remember the now, near, and next priorities you set last year. Assess your IC budget for the year, if any, and kickstart your editorial calendar with identified projects and key dates. Take a critical look at your content mix, ensuring it aligns with organizational objectives. Reflect on the success metrics of the previous year’s communication efforts—what worked and what didn’t? Identify trends in both successful and less successful communication to inform your strategy moving forward.

• Reviewing Your Most Recent IC Audit
  The start of a new year is a great time to dust off the findings from your most recent IC audit. If it’s been more than a year since your last audit, consider conducting another round to ensure your strategies are still on track. The audit serves as a pulse check, allowing you to gauge the effectiveness of your communication initiatives and make data-driven adjustments. My IC audit checklist can guide you through this process.

By aligning with organizational objectives, engaging with key stakeholders, revisiting strategic priorities, and conducting a thorough audit, you set the stage for a year of impactful communication that contributes to your organization’s overall success. Embrace the challenges and opportunities that come your way, armed with a proactive and strategic approach to IC.