How has this year been for you? How has it really been?
Internal Communications and the Challenges of COVID-19 conference took place yesterday, hosted by Communicate Magazine. It was a day packed with inspirational ideas, shared experiences and a huge dose of reality.
If I asked you to list the challenges 2020 has presented, we would be here all day!
If you would like to do that, don’t forget my free Online Masterclass How to review 2020 and plan 2021 is still available to enrol in. You can work through it at your own pace and have until 31 December 2020 to access the course.
I watched the conference between calls and enjoyed hearing the stories.
I’m so proud to be part of this profession and to hear first hand how Comms pros have been helping their employees and leaders navigate through the year.
Speakers included Christine O’Brien from British Business Bank as the keynote. The replay is available online.
I spotted IC pro Alyson Davis attended the conference yesterday and invited her to write for the All Things IC blog to share what she heard.
You can find Alyson on LinkedIn and she’s revealed her favourite takeaways from the event.
I’ll hand you over…
Sharing the positivity of the Internal Communications profession
The COVID triggered economic downturn has hit many industries resulting in countless mid-to-senior level communication colleagues sadly losing their roles.
A quick peek of LinkedIn demonstrates this, and the effects hit me too as at the end of October my role as Internal Communications Manager at Boots UK was made redundant due to COVID-19. I’ve spoken to many IC practitioners over the last four weeks who are in the same position as me.
Finding new ways to network in lockdown led me to an event hosted by Communicate Magazine, the ‘Internal Communications and the Challenges of COVID-19’ conference.
Brittany Golob and Christine O’Brien.
The title sounded like the story of my last few months! I attended to remind myself just what I’d been through; and, to take notes from fellow practitioners on how they are heading into 2021 with confidence.
These are just a few of my favourite takeaways.
Some of the Internal Comms and the challenges of COVID-19 speakers.
Creating an IC presence
Firstly, I was surprised to learn that there are still companies that don’t have an IC presence or that the need was only brought on suddenly due to COVID-19. How is this even a thing! Joanna Parsons, Head of IC at An Garda Síochána in Dublin was brought in just over a year ago to create an IC function for the very first time in the forces’ 95-year history!
Mind blown!
COVID has boosted the value of IC in the eyes of many organisations and its leaders, as they try to deliver difficult but key messaging. With the value now uncovered, let’s hope there are not too many companies left without an IC presence in 2021.
Prarthna Thakore, @prarthnathakore, Head of IC at ISG suggested that practitioners have earned their seat at the top table and will be a key role in influencing leaders in 2021, which was great to hear.
Focusing on planning
We need to focus our 2021 planning on embedding purpose, wellbeing and belonging.
There is a desire for colleagues to receive human and positive comms directly linked to their experiences of working for a company.
We need to listen more intently than ever before and should carry on being creative, innovative and using fast-paced channels as the speed of news shows no signs of slowing down.
Managing during COVID-19
The conference highlighted just how jam packed our profession is with excellence. Internal Communications Manager at AXA UK, Steven Murgatroyd, presented a case study on how he has managed IC during Covid-19.
In this, he shared a genuine, human and relatable presentation where he introduced us to baby Harry – who quite frankly stole the show! Steven showed elements of vulnerability that are present in all of us when presenting in meetings and he delighted the audience with his style.
You smashed it Steven!
Focusing on fear
I was really pleased to hear IC Executive, Dev Mistry @DeMistryMan from Virgin Media, talk about the ‘Rate My Background Fear’.
Dev spoke passionately about the anxiety of switching the camera on. I wholeheartedly agree. With more colleagues working at home using Teams and Zoom, I heard about colleague’s hatred of their bedroom/kitchen/hallway being seen.
Dev spoke about creating a sense of belonging built on what makes colleague comfortable and hey, if you don’t want your camera on – switch it off.
Good on you Virgin Media.
It’s been a crazy year for all IC professionals. The support across the profession and amongst each other is clear to see on social platforms, with the sharing of success and good practice at the fore.
Events like this one only reinforces how well our profession has grasped the new normal in communicating.
Our much-respected profession’s leaders, such as Rachel, have spoken up in support and listened to us all year – long may that continue.
Let’s keep watching out for each other as we head into 2021 …and if your team needs an IC and Channels Manager – give me a shout!
Post author: Alyson Davis.
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and your takeaways from yesterday’s conference Ali. Don’t forget the replay is available online.
If you’re a regular reader of my monthly newsletter, The Water Cooler, you’ll know what’s on for Comms pros over the next few months. Not on the list? Add your name to subscribe to my emails.
Upcoming events for Comms pros
- 14-15 January: PRWeek Strategic Internal Communications conference. Virtual. I’m speaking here. Use the code ALLTHINGSIC10 to save 10% off your ticket/s.
- 20 January: The Workplace Inspirathon, 24-hour virtual event. I’m speaking here.
- 28 September The Internal Communications and Engagement Conference 2021
- 9 October: The Big Yak unconference from The IC Crowd.
You’ll also find events via the What’s on for Comms pros page. If you have an event, you’d like to advertise, please get in touch.
Learn about internal communication with All Things IC
My range of Online Masterclasses will boost your internal communications skills, knowledge and confidence. See the dedicated website to access all the latest courses. They are all packed with bespoke text lessons, videos, workbooks and quizzes to help you learn about the wonderful world of IC at your own pace.
Want to buy courses for your team or need multiple licenses? Do get in touch and let me know what you need. You can also buy bundles of courses.
Prices will be going up in 2021, so if you’re thinking about investing in a course or two, sign up today to benefit from this year’s rate.
Choose from:
- How to be an internal communicator – ideal if you’re new to the world of IC or have up to three years’ experience
- How to be a Comms Consultant – Exploration – this is for you if you’re thinking about going freelance
- Introduction to internal communication channels – get up to speed quickly
- How to review and plan your 2020-2021 Internal Comms – FREE
- How to create a 90 day plan. available to pre-order today.
Thank you for stopping by
Rachel
First published on the All Things IC blog 24 November 2020.
