The Importance of Internal Communications

Improving internal communication is key to running a successful company. Recently I read the attached Fast Company article written by Pat Sullivan, and it got me thinking, “How does High Tech factor into the three points he mentions”. Well, I thought about it and talked to a few of my peers. We realized that even though we sometimes fall into a few pitfalls, we do follow these three ideas well. 

First point: Detox from email.  How often do you get stuck in a huge email discussion that was way, way too detailed. What do we do? We get up, walk into someone’s office, have the discussion and close out the conversation – then email the results to ensure the details are not lost. Quick and efficient!

Second Point: Change your structure. While I cannot get into the details of this publicly, we have made significant strides in the recent years to empower our staff with certain responsibilities that in the past were not granted. Opening up certain chests of information that were previously “restricted” due to a fear of providing too much information actually proved to be inefficient. It is amazing how effective an employee can be by sharing significant details that once were deemed “top secret”. Not to say everything is shared, but enough to ensure the company is all moving in the right direction together.

Third Point: Communicate far and wide. I share (many) plans with employees because their insight can be invaluable. Employees have knowledge that you have no idea existed, and smart company’s embrace that knowledge and include them.

Now, how do you enable your organization to accomplish what we and many other successful companies have done? Well that is a trade secret. We could tell you but I’d have to bill you.

Here is the article, enjoy.

http://www.fastcompany.com/3048749/hit-the-ground-running/3-steps-to-vastly-improving-your-companys-communication

Using Unified Communications to Improve Your Chain of Command

I normally do not post on these types of topics, but this one I found interesting. About three quarters of the way down the article it talks about how Dr Martens used Unified Communication to improve internal, not external, communication. We often talk (and sometimes struggle) with who and why Unified Communications will benefit an organization. The message is old and stale and almost a ‘been there, done that’ attitude.

Here is a great example of how this successful organization implemented simple technology to improve communication within an organization, better communication between Quality Control and Supply Chain / Manufacturing across the Globe. Not the same old never miss a call as a sales person.

Take a read, I can point to a few of our own clients who have done the same thing, but sometimes it is just nice to look across the pond to see how a client and their needs are very similar no matter where you go.

http://www.computing.co.uk/ctg/analysis/2393025/dr-martens-selects-value-for-money-shoretel-over-cisco-avaya-mytel

Growing the Value of Video Conferencing

Have you ever wondered why some companies have jumped all over video and some others have not? I have been speaking to video solutions for 15 years and it never ceases to amaze me how many of the conversations go.

In the past, eliminating travel has been a great driver to initiate the conversation, however; are you really going to stop the CEO from travelling to San Diego for a three day trip? Funny enough, I find myself speaking to the elimination of travel more so crossing a city, not a country. No one wants to drive to the remote office when you have to spend 2 hours on the 401!

Thankfully, systems and technology have evolved to become unbelievably affordable. Free…well that is a topic for another post because you do get what you pay for. However, going back to the why - take a read from this article done by Polycom and Quocirca sent to over 800 businesses. You'll find great insight and information.

http://www.itmanagement.com/research/survey-report-growing-the-value-of-video-conferencing-by-fostering-a-culture-of-adoption-30968?mid=3491549&tfso=15057&r=B2BRegMailingCS&mailing=WPLite&mailing_id=1269388

Top Ways Businesses Should Manage Mobile Workers

When I read articles posted by our partner, ShoreTel, I traditionally think Telecom and Unified Communications - as do many of our clients. However, I read this and I was a little taken aback, but in a good way. In bold is a statistic, "24.7 percent saving on fuel costs". First things first, why is ShoreTel talking about fuel savings?

It's not less time on the road because they saved three minutes per day over fifty users talking 25% less to someone somewhere. It's an app one of their clients deployed and integrated into their mobile application that traditionally was used for eliminating the roaming charges on cell phones.

Really? That's pretty cool. The article also talks about establishing policies, but that's a given. Take a read, and once you are done, call High Tech - because we would love to chat about this to get out of the day-to-day traditional conversations.

https://www.shoretel.com/blog/top-ways-businesses-should-manage-mobile-workers

Finding Balance at Work and Home

Today’s discussion takes a leap far, far away from the technology and solution set that High Tech represents. This topic addresses something much more important, something that drives the High Tech working culture. 

Throughout my career, up until only a few years ago, I did a poor job of maintaining a healthy work / life balance.  I drove myself to the brink many days and nights thinking that spending that extra 2-3 hours would provide a better life for myself, my family, friends, and co-workers.  It took some pretty deep soul searching to realize I was looking at this the wrong way and that my life was anything but healthy and productive.  For the past few years as a Manager and VP I have tried to instill a healthy balance in for myself and my family, and I have taken that message to all of the employees I manage and interact with on a daily basis.

In addition, I took it one step further where I moved to work with a company that instills the same mentality in their working environment.  Now, there are days where that all goes out the window, but in general the focus on family is paramount to staying healthy both in mind and body.  By doing so you are not only living a better life outside of work…but you are living a better, more productive life in the office.

Please take a moment to read the attached article and pass it on to those that you care about and work with.  If your office does not recognize the value of a healthy work / life balance then take steps to make that change.  My two favourite points are around taking proper breaks (remember to eat often) and that stress crosses many boundaries and work stress comes home and has a direct influence over mental and family health.

http://mashable.com/2015/04/27/work-life-balance-worldwide/