United Kingdom
Led by our team of expert trainers, the new look UK Internal Communication Black Belt Program is made up of a series of three high-impact courses held in some of the most respected business schools in the country. Fully researched with communication leaders to meet their expectations of high quality training, course materials consist of the very best content available – the latest research, best practice ‘show and tell’, and case studies with practical examples you can apply to your own setting.
In addition, ample time is set-aside during each phase to review the things you have learnt. There are follow-through actions to work on when you get back to the office to continue your development and encourage post-course contact between delegates, and of course there is the exclusive Black Belt Alumni Network for ongoing support.
Black Belt One
2 x 2 days, residential
Cranfield School of Management
For internal communicators involved primarily in practical, day-to-day internal communication activities and management. This first phase will allow you to:
- Fully understand the role, required competencies and characteristics of a successful internal communication department and individual.
- Relate internal communication to the achievement of wider business objectives and reflect on how you can maximise the value you add to your organization.
- Learn how to develop an internal communications plan and measure its effectiveness.
- Review best practice tactics to communicate business strategy and organizational change.
Black Belt Two
2 x 2 days, residential
Dates TBC
For internal communicators who are competent and confident at developing and implementing communication plans to support a range of business scenarios and want to become ‘trusted advisors’, spending a greater proportion of their time consulting and coaching rather than ‘doing’. Over these four days you will learn how to:
- Develop the interpersonal skills that mark the most effective and trusted internal communicators - consulting, influencing, active listening, coaching and facilitation.
- Transfer your knowledge and expertise effectively to help key stakeholders become better communicators.
- Present the internal communications case effectively.
- Plan and facilitate a short workshop or focus group.
Black Belt Three
2 days, residential
Dates TBC
Designed for senior internal communicators who are responsible for formulating, writing and presenting the overarching communication strategy for their organization or division. In this final phase, you will have the opportunity to review your existing internal communication strategy and leave with comments, suggestions and new ideas for the next 18 months. You’ll also be given the tools to benchmark your strategy against industry best practice.
- The ideal internal communication strategy: purpose, components and format
- Running a strategic planning session
- Determining objectives and priorities
- Working up the detail
- Making it measurable
- Partnering with stakeholders
- Consolidation and action planning
Europe
3 days, residential
Saby Sateri, Ingarö, Sweden
For senior internal communicators involved primarily in practical, day-to-day internal communication activities and management. Graduates of this course will leave with:
- Clear definitions of what makes a successful internal communication and a competent internal communications professional, based on industry-recognised frameworks.
- A communications plan template, with supporting models and techniques for each section.
- Best practice ideas and shared experience from fellow communication professionals and a pan-European network to continue the exchange after the course.
USA
3 days, residential
Chicago & Washington DC
Key topics covered:
Day 1
- How internal communications positively impacts organizational performance
- What an effective internal communications function looks like
- Understanding your organization’s needs
- How to conduct a communications assessment and report findings
- Developing clear communication objectives
Day 2
- Developing a complete communication plan
- Developing key messages
- Communicating change effectively
- Channels and tactics – knowing when to use what and where social media fits into the picture
- Success stories of effective tactics in practice
Day 3
- Measurement and research
- When and what to measure of your communication plan
- The ins and outs of measuring channels
- How to effectively use the results of your measurement efforts
Australia
MODULE 1
Day 1
The case for internal communication
- Where does internal communication fit in the business agenda?
- Why should organisation employ internal communication professionals?
- Clear evidence of how internal communication adds value to the organisation
Connecting internal communication with the business strategy
- Why speaking the language of your business matters
- Writing plans that support business objectives
- Understanding media and marketing techniques for segmenting audiences
- Understand different way to segment internal audiences
- Constructing clear and memorable messages
- Finding the best angle to connect with your audiences
Day 2
What channels should I be using
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the main internal communication channels?
- How do you improve the channels you’ve got?
- When do you decide you need new channels?
- Understanding how new technology and social media fits in with your channel strategy
- Best practices in social media
Research and measurement
- Planning research programs
- Research processes and data presentation
- Best practice
- How do you know when you’ve been successful?
- What measures work and which are false prophets?
- How do you prove the ROI of internal comms?
MODULE 2
Day 3
Relationships and stakeholders
- Understand who really matters for the success of your strategy
- Lean techniques for mapping stakeholder relationships
- Building your influence – knowing your sources of influence and learning simple techniques to improve your effectiveness
Line manager and leader communication
- Why line managers are a critical communication channel
- How to improve line manager communication
- What leading organisations do to improve line manager communication
- How internal communicators can help CEO and other senior leaders connect with the business
Day 4
Change communication and crisis management
- How does internal communication support change?
- What are the key issues for communicators in managing change?
- What strategies can you adopt to facilitate change?
- What do we need to understand in managing a crisis?
- What are the important aspects in a crisis that effect our communication approach?
Developing your career
- Writing your own career and development plan
- Setting up your own support network and where to look for help
- Realising your true potential and deciding what type of internal comms practitioner you want to be
- What else do you need to focus on in building your career?
