In this series, we explored twelve reflections on the real work of communication inside organizations. Not the polished broadcasts, but the human, messy, in-between parts that truly define how people experience culture and leadership.
Below are those twelve reflections, brought together in one place to explore how communication shapes trust, connection, and clarity at every level of an organization.
Communication doesn’t start with a message. It starts with a moment.
• A check-in after a meeting
• A hallway follow-up
• A DM that makes the confusing feel clear
These shape culture more than any broadcast ever could.
Internal communication isn’t just top-down; it’s all around. It flows between peers, across departments, and within teams. Everyone contributes to how messages are received, what they mean, and how they shape one’s sense of belonging.
Who are the people who help make things make sense at your org, even when it’s not in their job description?
Clarity Isn’t Magic
We’ve all heard, “Can you just clean this up and send it out?”
But clarity isn’t magic. It’s made through:
Aligning on purpose
Naming what’s at stake
Asking, “Should this even go out yet?”
Making something clear often means filling gaps, smoothing edges, and holding space. That labour is shared not just by comms folks but by people across teams who help contextualize and carry meaning forward.
Communication is Built, Not Just Spoken
Being a “natural communicator” is often treated as a personality trait. But effective communication is learned, practiced, and designed. It takes:
Systems that invite input
Leaders who welcome a pause
Peers who model transparency
Good communication doesn’t come from having the right words—it comes from building the right conditions.
Clarity Under Pressure Requires Structure
We often assume good comms means “fast and polished.” But in the crunch, clarity is built through structure:
Shared intake processes
Upfront alignment on goals
Short feedback loops
Teams that communicate well under pressure aren’t just talented; they’ve made space for thoughtful work.
The Weight of Emotional Air Traffic Control
In a crunch, comms folks and those in comms-adjacent roles can end up being the emotional air traffic control. But the goal isn’t to control everything. It’s to help people understand what matters and what’s next.
Whether you’re an official comms lead or someone people turn to for clarity, your presence matters.
Leadership isn’t about saying everything perfectly. It’s about showing up with care, context, and curiosity.
When the Message Comes Too Late
Sometimes, the message arrives after the decision has been made. Sometimes clarity is missing, and you’re asked to “just explain it.”
In those moments, the most powerful move can be pausing and asking better questions.
Communication is relational. It deserves upstream care, not just downstream polish.
Co-Creation Makes Communication Smarter
Great internal communication doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when teams build messages together:
When HR, IT, and people leaders align on what matters
When feedback is welcomed early
When we ask, “Who else needs to help shape this?”
Co-creation isn’t slower. It’s smarter. It builds trust before the message is even delivered.
Communication Should Be a Two-Way Street
Good internal communication invites responses.
If communication feels like a one-way street, it’s not working. Whether it’s feedback from frontline staff, managers, or peers, these are insights, not interruptions.
Design for listening as much as for clarity.
Communication Flows Through People, Not Just Platforms
The cascades assume clarity flows down. But the best internal communication flows across, through, and between. Think networks:
Peer amplifiers
Trusted team leads
Ambassadors who model tone and values
Communication lives within people, not just on platforms.
Communication is Emotional, Not Just Informational
People don’t remember every word of an internal message. But they remember how it made them feel.
Communication isn’t just a delivery system. It’s a reflection of culture. Trust grows when we invite honesty, share our reasons, and remain consistent.
Communication Needs Breathing Room
Strategic communication takes time. Yet, in many organizations, comms is expected to happen instantly.
Space allows for better alignment, fewer rewrites, and less regret.
The earlier communication is part of the conversation, the stronger the result.
Communication is Leadership in Action
Communication is more than messaging. It’s how people experience what an organization values.
Every message holds a mirror to our priorities, pace, and care.
So, let’s build communication that’s spacious, thoughtful, and shared. The work is ongoing—and the conversations start here.
Explore the Graphics
To accompany these reflections, we’ve created a series of graphics you’re welcome to explore and share. They’re reminders that communication isn’t just words; it’s how we show respect, build trust, and shape the culture we want to create. Check them out here.
Which idea resonates most with you right now? We’d love to hear your perspective.
