Within just 90 days of joining global manufacturer Spirax Sarco, Colin Archer had set out a bold new vision for internal communication. His strategy became the foundation for one of the most innovative projects AB has ever supported – The Communicating Organisation.
At its heart lies a radical idea: communication shouldn’t be centralised – it should be socialised. Instead of messages cascading down a hierarchy, knowledge, insight and ideas flow freely across it.
Working alongside Jessica Harris, Communications Business Partner, Colin began with a pilot. Using a technique called snowball sampling, they identified individuals already trusted by their peers to share information – natural ‘Connectors’. They then helped to build these Connectors’ communication confidence and capability through tailored masterclasses to help improve their face-to-face comms skills and their presence on the company’s internal social media channels.
But crucially, Connectors also get special privileged access to leaders and experts from across the business. Each month, Connectors and leaders come together in open dialogue sessions that benefit both sides: Connectors gain early insight into new business developments, while leaders receive real-time feedback on the issues that matter most to frontline teams.
“The ultimate measure of success of The Communicating Organisation once it is fully established,” Colin explains, “is better business performance through better knowledge sharing, improved problem-solving and greater alignment. But crucially, success also means employees feel their voice is heard and their work has greater meaning and purpose.”
Colin and Jessica’s pilot will soon deliver a blueprint for scaling the initiative beyond the initial pilot areas. They are currently in the US to share their approach and learnings more widely across the business.
Reflecting on the initiative, AB’s Managing Director, Katie Macaulay, says: “It’s a privilege to support such an ambitious, innovative project. The Communicating Organisation feels like the living embodiment of the vision I set out in ‘From Cascade to Conversation’. This project is leading the way — it’s a pioneering initiative that other organisations will want to emulate.”
If you’d like to learn more about this initiative, Colin would be happy to share his approach and insights. Please email Katie Macaulay.
