Would you like to hear some “Corporate Backchat?” How about a little light teasing, some slightly audacious or perhaps adroit and clever replies? Backchat makes the world a livelier place and also more challenging. What though does backchat mean for management and staff, especially in the context of a company’s internal communications??
Well if you were asked, “What do you think about the painting – Backchat” what would you say? “It’s nice”, “I do not like it”, “It is bright and colourful” or “Why should I care?” maybe some of 
your short responses but if we consider these replies they do not really tell us anything constructive. An art critic would examine the emotional thoughts of Kerala artist, Rajesh Ragendran and interpret the composition design. Is it two ladies who have fallen out or are they defending themselves, united together, “back to back”, fighting off a verbal attack? For someone who is trying to be investigative and look for the meaning, all sorts of ideas spring to mind. It is these same qualities of constructive investigative comments that a company seeks in responses and feed-back from their staff. Whereas backchat might be seen as sometimes cheeky or impulsive it often provides, for those who are alert, an insight into what is uppermost in the speaker’s mind. Remember many a true word is said in jest.
Recent findings
A recent study by The Work Foundation, a London based non profit making independent research consultancy, recognised the importance and potential of corporate internal communications. Based on a study of over 500 organisations, many of which were multi-site, it found that departments who developed good internal communications were able to enhance closer contacts and responses between executives, management and staff. This resulted in improved organizational cohesion and performance. To be effective it is important that internal communications move both upwards as well as downwards within the corporate structure. This is why staff feedback, throughout all levels of management, is so important for the development and well being of a company. So why is it in many companies that the staff seem reluctant and shy to give meaningful feedback? Why, when asked for “feedback”, are the few comments which are received usually so general and vague?.
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Barriers to be breached
Feedback responses, to be helpful, need to explain or give suggestions for discussion otherwise they are not much use. Probably the main difficulty for staff is that they wish to be seen as “team-players” so making individual comment is tantamount to “sticking one’s head above the parapet”. This may not only cause jealousy or problems but also there is no obvious possibility of a reward. If this is so, why bother to respond? This is the barrier that needs to be breached and broken down so that a company may achieve greater things. That’s why backchat within internal communications is an innovative concept. “Backchat” requires that all involved within a company need to be proactive as well as reactive. Those who ask for responses and comments should never primarily look to apportion credit and certainly never blame. Their “backchat” motivation should be an endeavour in discovering information on which to develop opportunities. The upside of getting involved, by sending in comments or feedback, is that it stimulates staff to focus their own thoughts which has a beneficial effect amongst team members.
The current global economic challenges demand that every opportunity to rise above them should be seized upon. “Backchat” provides an advantage. Remember, “Great oak trees from little acorns grow”. One small seemingly insignificant piece of “backchat”, if spotted and acted upon, may well increase a company’s good fortune…….and “Good Fortune” is, without doubt, something everyone wishes for in 2009. Thank you for the great support from our readers..
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Good Luck and happy reading !!!.
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Unnikrishnan G
Head- Corporate Communications