Internal Communications: A Manual for Practitioners (PR In Practice) - Softcover

FitzPatrick, Liam; Valskov, Klavs

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0749469323 ISBN 13: 9780749469320

Publisher: Kogan Page, 2014

Synopsis

Bad company communication can result in high staff turnover, poor results and low morale. Internal Communications draws on examples of best practice in the private, public and non-profit sectors, with case studies of high profile international organizations. The book defines and explains internal communications (IC), providing practical, ready to implement guidance on planning and organizing the IC function and IC teams; understanding audiences; deciding and developing messages; channels, outcomes and  approaches; line managers and leadership; evaluating and reporting; advising leaders; and change and transitions.

The advice in the book is accompanied by downloadable templates for communications in a variety of special situations -- from crises to mergers to business strategies and rebranding. Covering all the core concepts and models, skills and processes, Internal Communications offers a refreshingly practical introduction for students and practitioners alike.

About this title

About the Author:

Liam FitzPatrick is Joint Managing Partner of Agenda Strategies, an organization specializing in change communications. He is one of the co-authors of the definitive competency model for internal communicators and co-founded the Black Belt series of training for internal communicators. He was previously Head of Practice in Internal Communications for Bell Pottinger and has worked both in-house and for major consulting companies, delivering communications programs for clients in different sectors. He is a Fellow of the UK Chartered Institute of Public Relations where he has been involved in planning the education and training of PR practitioners and is a member of the Global Certification Council of the International Association of Business Communicators.
Klavs Valskov is Joint Managing Partner of Agenda Strategies, an organization specializing in change communications. He has worked in PR, marketing and communication for almost fifteen years with organizations such as L'Oreal, Accenture and in ministries for the Danish Government. From 2008-2013 he was the award-winning Global Director of Communication in the world's largest container shipping company, Maersk Line. He is also part of the Advisory Board at Institute of Business Communication at Copenhagen Business School.

 

 

Review:

"I wish I'd had a guide like this when I started out in internal communication.  Each chapter is easy to read and easy to understand.  The templates and checklists are really helpful and the case studies really bring the guidance to life.  I'd recommend this manual to anyone working in internal communication; it's a great reference point for the start of any new communication challenge!" (Jenny Clark Head of Internal Communications, The De Beers Group of Companies)

"More and more companies are realizing that every meaningful conversation about their business begins with the people closest to it - employees.  And yet, few have invested in the development of this practice.  The book provides valuable insight to help with planning and delivery.  I particularly found the chapter on measurement useful as it provided clear steps on the essential things to take into consideration on what can be a complex issue." (Rebecca Lowell Edwards CCO, GE Oil & Gas)

"This is a must-read for everyone responsible for developing or managing internal communications.  It builds on the most important experience shared by leading experts over the past decades and elegantly summarizes this into a current overview of what internal communicators must do to add value to the business.  I particularly enjoyed the focus on how communicators must increasingly leverage line managers to secure commitment to and not only awareness of business strategies and goals." (Torben Bundgaard Head of Leadership Communication, Novo Nordisk)

"A must-have for any internal communications practitioner - this book sets itself apart from others through its combination of theory and practical tips and templates.  It is a joy to read - written in such an engaging, accessible way that anyone can understand it.  From managing change communication to advising leaders and creating compelling messages, this book covers all the vital areas for any IC function.  I'm sure it will become a well-used favourite of my team." (Saskia Jones Head of Internal Communication, Oxfam GB)

"This is a very useful resource for everybody who works in internal communications.  The book is very well structured, while easy and entertaining to read.  FitzPatrick and Valskov provide practical and hands-on insights without neglecting the basic theoretical knowledge.  It certainly helps professionals to develop a valid strategy and to hone it.  Far from being highbrow, the book is demanding to the reader in a very positive sense - simply because the authors ask the right questions.  I specifically like that the book is permanently focused on the very essential core of IC: adding value to the business." (Dr. Jorg Kirchhoff Director Associates Communications, Robert Bosch GmbH)

"Internal communication is more critical than ever and this book shows managers how to excel in their job and how to best deliver value to their organizations.  It also provides practical insight on effective planning and delivery.  The chapter on change was especially useful as it outlined clear and vital steps to follow." (Tim Cobb Head of Group External Communications, UBS)

[A] practical approach to developing an internal communications strategy for an organization, and explores how to get a message to staff during times of crisis. ...[A] powerful assessment of tools and their applications, recommended for any business pursuit." (California Bookwatch, The Business Shelf Midwest Book Review)

About this edition

• Publisher: Kogan Page
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0749469323
• ISBN 13: 9780749469320
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 272