What will it take for internal communication teams to get what it needs?
Internal communication teams often operate like high-performance engines running on low-grade fuel.
Everyone expects flawless delivery. However, the tools available are clunky, outdated, or simply inadequate.
Sound familiar?
Securing investment in better communication infrastructure can feel like asking for a luxury upgrade when the business is focused on cost control. But it’s a necessity.
So, how do you build a rock-solid case that makes decision-makers sit up and say “yes”?
A) Map the Pain, Not Just the Tools
Start by ditching the shopping list. Forget rattling off platforms and features. Focus on the pain points your team and the business experience every day.
- Delayed messages because the system crashed again.
- No way to measure if employees even read that critical announcement.
- Leaders complaining that their teams are “out of the loop.” Paint the picture vividly. Make the pain visible.
B) Connect It to Business Impact
Leaders respond to outcomes, not comms jargon. Link your infrastructure gaps to business risks.
- Poor adoption of new policies leading to compliance issues.
- Change initiatives stalling due to employee confusion.
- Employee disengagement because they feel uninformed. Quantify it where possible. Even an estimate beats vague concerns.
C) Show the Cost of Doing Nothing
This is your trump card. What happens if you keep limping along?
- Lost productivity from employees searching for basic information.
- Critical messages missed during a crisis.
- Reputation damage when misinformation spreads internally. Make the status quo look like the risky choice.
D) Build the ROI Story
Return on investment is about enabling better performance.
- Faster adoption of new tools/processes.
- Stronger alignment with strategic goals.
- Reduced burden on HR and managers answering the same questions repeatedly. Look for industry benchmarks or case studies to back it up.
E) Frame It as an Enabler, Not a Cost
You’re not asking for software; you’re enabling transformation.
- “This tool lets us get real-time feedback on major change programs.”
- “This system ensures every frontline worker gets crisis updates instantly.” Tie it to the business narrative. Show how comms infra fuels progress.
- So, when you hit ‘send’ on that budget proposal, are you confident it’ll land?
Does that resonate? If yes, can you share a success story from your experience where this has worked or worked differently?
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