Presented at the 2014 LNG conference by Eric Alex of Cheam First Nation and Trina Wamboldt of Urban Systems, this session was designed for First Nations who are interested in enhancing communication and engagement within their own community.
2. session purpose
good communication starts at home
this session has been designed for First Nations
who are interested in enhancing communication
and engagement within their own community
effective internal communication will support
effective external communication which is
becoming increasingly important with LNG
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3. our goals today
develop our understanding of what creates
healthy „internal‟ communication
share ideas and learn from each other
leave with some practical tips that you can
apply when you return home
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4. four main topics
1. what is „internal‟ communication?
2. why is it important?
3. what gets in the way?
4. how can we get better?
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6. communication vs. engagement
“communication” implies an exchange of
ideas or information (often one way)
“engagement” implies active participation
in problem solving or decision making
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7. “internal” communication
(for today‟s purposes)
the exchange of ideas and information and
active engagement between community
members
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8. community members
(for today‟s purposes)
Chief and
Council
special groups
or committees
administration
staff
local
community
total
community
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9. what would the impact be?
you found out your best friend was talking
badly about you behind your back?
your spouse bought an expensive new car
without discussing it with you?
you were left out of a special social event?
your mother forgot your birthday?
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10. what if it kept on happening?
TRUST
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11. can there be effective
communication without trust?
1. yes
2. no
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
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0%
yes
0%
0%
no
12. can there be trust without effective
communication?
1. Yes
2. No
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
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0%
Yes
0%
0%
No
13. what are the barriers to effective
communication in your community?
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14. trust is built through
respect
honesty
transparency
openness
reliability
inclusivity
Integrity
other?
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15. “The greatest problem in communication is the
illusion that it has been accomplished”
- Daniel W. Davenport
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16. always answer the 5 W‟s
WHO: who is affected? who is championing? who
is watching? who cares?
WHAT: what impact will it have on me? what will I
have to do differently?
WHERE: where can I ask for help? where can I
get more information?
WHEN: when will I hear more? when will these
changes happen?
WHY: why is this necessary? rewards and
consequences
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17. avoid the landmines
understand the interests and concerns of the
community
know and respect peoples‟ communication styles –
find creative ways to engage all styles
welcome constructive discontent/diverse opinions
acknowledge feelings to diffuse outrage
focus on what you can influence (recognize
passive aggressive behaviour)
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18. “What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot
hear what you say” Ralph Waldo Emerson
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20. 10 tips for leaders
Tip # 1 - 60% of people prefer visual communication
Use interactive visuals whenever possible. A picture paints a thousand words.
Tip # 2 - The power of small groups
Smaller face to face communication, such as brown bag lunches offer a more personalized
and engaging format for leadership communication.
Tip # 3 Customize communications for different target audiences
Tip # 4 - Expand awareness
A servant leader has the ability to “speak their language” when talking with employees.
That language allows employees to make a connection between a verbal concept and their
own experience.
Make sure employees understand how the work they do contributes to the overall success
of the organization. Expand their awareness beyond their own performance and extend it
out into their team.
Tip # 5 - Encourage and help senior managers share ideas with their staff
Connect staff to the great ideas. Awareness creates discussion and can lead to action.
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21. 10 tips for leaders
Tip # 6 – Not communicating or communicating late can damage trust
Hearing about an important update from media, colleagues or family and friends can have
a negative impact on employee engagement. Ensure employees hear these messages
from the business as soon as possible.
Tip # 7 - Catch dissatisfaction early
Make it easy to regularly gather feedback from staff and to catch dissatisfaction early - to
understand what‟s really going on.
Tip # 8 - Show how feedback is being used
Tip # 9 - Actively promote organizational effectiveness, reputation and ethics
Never miss an opportunity to build credibility and trust by demonstrating that you‟ve heard
and considered the feedback that‟s been provided.
Employees want to feel good about their leaders, where they work and the reputation of
their company.
Tip # 10 - If the rank-and-file employee doesn't get it, it won't work
If you aren‟t speaking the language of your employees you are not creating clarity or
enabling them to act.
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22. consider developing an internal
communication strategy
communication goals and objectives
situational context
audiences
interests and sensitivities
key messages
policies and procedures
roles and responsibilities
communication methods
action plan
success measures
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23. benefits of good communication
BUY IN
cohesion
synergy
cooperation
greater efficiency
community progress
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24. what can be done to strengthen
communication in YOUR community?
Chief and
Council
special groups
or committees
administration
staff
local
community
total
community
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25. thank you!
Eric Alex, Cheam First Nation: 604.794.7924
ext.105 eric.alex@cheamband.com
Trina Wamboldt, Urban Systems: 250.374.8311
twamboldt@urbansystems.ca
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Editor's Notes
Flip chart
Non verbal communications - "What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say" Ralph Waldo Emmerson.example with salmon fishery openings, member distribution notices with cooperation - the moccassin line is on fire. poor support and cooperation and you will hear there was not enough notice given, not notified at all. not enough members given information.the moral of this lesson is when it appeals to a value close to the recipients it will naturally carry on far beyond your own grasp and continue to echo along the mocassin line.How we connect others to that linebuy in and effective communication. The landcode matterWe are ready, we are capable and we are determined to self govern.
Non verbal communications - "What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say" Ralph Waldo Emmerson.example with salmon fishery openings, member distribution notices with cooperation - the moccassin line is on fire. poor support and cooperation and you will hear there was not enough notice given, not notified at all. not enough members given information.the moral of this lesson is when it appeals to a value close to the recipients it will naturally carry on far beyond your own grasp and continue to echo along the mocassin line.How we connect others to that linebuy in and effective communication. The landcode matterWe are ready, we are capable and we are determined to self govern.
Flip chart the answersEngaging people in decisions that affect themCelebrating successes Sharing information freelyKeeping good records Coming to see people on their own termsIncluding everyone Respecting everyone