Hi there Communicators,

Welcome back to The Chatter, Liby Works newsletter for all things effective communications. 

We've all heard the “innovate or die” quote. I would expand that to “collaborate or die,” “communicate or die,” “work on the priorities or die," etc. - the list really could go on. If we want to create an organization that is able to dominate the competition and scale, we need to communicate effectively, so that there is ample space for collaboration, innovation and engagement. 

This issue is all about cracking that code with a couple simple questions and tactics. There are also tools from Liby Works and others that can support your efforts. 

Enough chatter, let's dive in. I think some of the stats and insights will surprise you. 

Talk Soon, 

Liz Marion

Owner & Principal, Liby Works

Key Insights: Facts and More

Data

86%

of employees and executives cite ineffective communication and collaboration as the main cause of workplace failures

 See the full Entrepreneur article linked below

More Than That

Communication affects so much in our organizations from project timelines and budgets to employee engagement. So what gives? What does communication not touch in our organizations? 

It's a good question. I can't come up with an answer, if you have one, I would love to hear it. 

Two words for our conversation today: Expectations and Vision.

One question for both: Is every single person on your team confident in how they contribute to the top priorities of your organization? 

If you aren't answering with a confident “yes” and instead something like this “yesssss???” - effective communication is affecting the outcomes of your organization (not to mention the innovation and collaboration that team members can contribute to). 

Simply put - alignment to organization goals, role clarity and expectations are hurting our organizations from being all they can be and it's making our companies less enjoyable places to work. 

Here's a bonus stat to support my point. According to Axios HQ's 2024 State of Internal Communications, 44% of leaders think their staff are entirely aligned with the organization’s business goals.14% of employees agree. 

Personally, I think 44% is super LOW from the leadership side, but 14% is unacceptable. Employees make up the majority of our organizations and they are the ones doing the work - if employees don't know how to prioritize their work, the wrong work is getting done. 

This hurts our organizations in profits, talent retention and productivity. When employees know how their work contributes to the organization goals and they have clear expectations, they are more engaged. Clear expectations provide purpose and motivation.  

Communication Corral: A round up of recent communications news, reports and content. 

1. ARTICLE
   Crisis Communications
   IABC highlights how crisis communication preparation is changing in the modern workforce.

   "It’s crucial for all communications teams to spend time anticipating the kinds of issues that an organization might face, planning how the team will respond to them . . ."

   Grab it here

2. Interesting Insights
   Communications as an Obstacle

   Entrepreneur Mag dives into common internal communications challenges and pitfalls. Start tackling them in your organization this week.

   Read it HERE

Quips, Quotes and Jokes: We have to have a little fun with communications.

Scott Kelly

American Astronaut

“Even when you are not the greatest of friends, you could work together for something you both believe in, feel strongly about and [that] has mutual benefits,”

 The Full Interview

Curious on How to Measure Effective Communication in Your Organization?

Check out this Liby Works presentation last month for the Ask a Chief of Staff community

WATCH IT HERE

Just Launched

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What are customers are saying

Lynn D., Founder & Non-Profit Executive

"Cut the Clutter literally provides everything any leader or organization needs to assess and improve their communications. As a new founder and someone who has spent over two decades on teams within large and small organizations, this course will offer value for any leader."