This post was mentioned on Twitter by CommAMMO: Read @mklein818 http://bit.ly/4z2Z2f, had to dive in: Future of Employee Communication Depends on Us http://bit.ly/4T9c0Q...

There is no doubt in my mind (and launching my own firm into the teeth of a major “recession” is proof of that) that we communicators are essential to business, especially if we cast off the shackles of our “always done it that ways” and embrace measurement, research, counsel and courage.

Thanks again for spurring such a great conversation (and for adding me to the blogroll at Commscrum…)

Our industry has interesting DNA–very few workplace communicators dream of it when playing football as kids. We are a rag-tag bunch, far more ex-journos or ex-junior managers than ex-political consultants or ex-management consultants.

Guts in my world, reflect two factors–the ability to exhibit risk-taking and courage, and the extent to which such exhibitions are viewed as seriously.

That’s why this moment in “enterprise communication” is so vital–never before will our contribution be so central, and never before has it been so critical that we communicators generate the confidence–as well as competence–to have our voices heard above the chaos.

Jack’s gotten little love, lately, which is a pity. Reading “Straight from the Gut” indicated the premium he placed on leadership communication (though one hears horror stories about his own, rather (ahem) animated style.)

Sometimes I think we internal communicators lack guts — we’re afraid to get fired for speaking up/out, so we don’t. I have a story to tell in that regard, but not right now…

We’re best equipped to help the organization through change, because we have a broad, cross-functional perspective and our skill set is all about relationships. We need to embrace the change and get on with it.

Thanks again for stopping by!

(PS. Love the DYOB vibe of your comment above. Jack Welch would be proud!)

Thanks for your kind comment.

I continue to believe that the truest return on communication investment will derive from internal communication. Ideally, we will work ourselves right out of a job, so effectively will we help the organization communicate. It makes most media relations look like a monumental waste of time — we can get our people working together!

But, don’t get me started again – you see the nosebleed I wrote after reading your piece.

Thanks for the spirited–and brilliant–response.

We employee/internal communicators–as a profession and indeed as a tribe–are in a transition that we are well positioned to lead.

All of the constituencies, and even the approaches, mentioned by Kevin retain at least some of their validity going into this transition, and some will emerge more resonant, useful and powerful than others.

Our obstacles are also formidable. We still work for clients who want tested methods, and adore things like cascades that reinforce hierarchy better than they deliver information or unleash action.

Thanks for the reply, and I look forward to your continued leadership in this awesome effort.

Mike Klein–The Intersection, Brussels
@mklein818