How Should We Communicate?

Have you ever wondered why some people just don’t get your Compensation and Benefits programs?  I have to admit, I don’t even like to read a SPD (summary plan description) to get my information, I’d much rather go ask our Benefits Manager if I have a question.  Christian Schappel over at HR Morning recently wrote about putting benefits information into easier to understand language, a good reminder for all of us.  There is also another thing we can do to help more people understand our total rewards programs:  use a variety of mediums.

 

Howard Gardner postulated the theory of multiple intelligences in his book Frames Of Mind: The Theory Of Multiple Intelligences.  Although some academic debate continues about the theory, many educators use it to figure out how to reach more of their students, a lesson that we can also use.  Understanding the different ways people think can really help to tailor communications and result in a larger portion of your audience understanding what you’re trying to get across.

Here is Gardner's list of the different types of intelligences:

• Linguistic

• Logical-Mathematical

• Musical

• Bodily-Kinesthetic

• Spatial

• Interpersonal

• Intrapersonal

• Naturalist

It is obviously hard to use all of these in communication, but the more you can use, the better the chances that everyone will understand your message.  I can’t see myself ever singing a jingle to introduce a new compensation plan to a musically intelligent person, but perhaps a presentation could include some background music or a clip that uses music.  It might really help someone else if they could get up and move around while learning about a new plan.  A person with high interpersonal intelligence might understand more if they can have interaction with the presenter.

 

Of course the real key is to allow people to obtain information in the way that works best for them.  Some people need you to sit down with them and have interaction.  Others really like having the time to read through a document at their leisure.  The more variety of methods that we use to communicate our plans, the better the chances that people will understand them.  Since the goal of total rewards programs is typically to align employee efforts with business needs, understanding is pretty key.  Let’s keep the conversation going, what methods of communication have you had success with?

Darcy Dees, CCP works as the Compensation Manager for Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc., headquartered in Louisville, CO.  She has worked with RBR for nearly 10 years helping to develop many of the compensation and performance management programs the company uses today.  She spends what little free time she has hiking and reading.
The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of Darcy Dees. Content published here is not monitored or approved by Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc. before it is posted and does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Rock Bottom Restaurants, Inc.

Image:  Creative Commons Photo "Kids of Conversation" by Kris Hoet

Comments

[fran melmed]

a major barrier, even if you use multiple channels and consider different learning styles, is the impenetrable language many benefits communications still use. what's exciting to see is that more companies are allowing employees to speak to one another, which, despite the recent edelman report to the contrary, still seems to be a preferred mode of learning and choosing. it allows employees to ask the real questions they have and get a non-buzzword-heavy or legally-smoothed answer.

great post.
f

[Darcy Dees]

Fran - Thanks for adding such a great idea, and for taking the time to comment.