6 Dimensions of Communication

Horizontal

Vertical

We Agree that a non distribution list email is a formal communication. Most phone calls would be considered informal but in some cases can be very formal such as in an interview or a client update. Business meetings are formal when clients are involved but can be informal in many instances when held by a functional work group i.e google style brainstorms etc. We feel the key to Formal communications is having a need to make a decision and have sort of a direct outcome. A meeting to accomplish something, a conference call to agree between functional teams on design etc.

An enterprise social media portal such as SharePoint, Podio or buddy press is a great example of an internal communication line. When implemented, it helps to keep internal communication intact grouped by necessity. Information on such platforms is secure form competitors and sponsors when project details need to be kept internal only. The important factor of internal communications is classifying levels of "need to know" communication throughout the company.

Formal

We Agree that a non distribution list email is a formal communication. Most phone calls would be considered informal but in some cases can be very formal such as in an interview or a client update. Business meetings are formal when clients are involved but can be informal in many instances when held by a functional work group i.e google style brainstorms etc. We feel the key to Formal communications is having a need to make a decision and have sort of a direct outcome. A meeting to accomplish something, a conference call to agree between functional teams on design etc.

Informal

Stopping by a desk to ask how things are going, a one on one lunch to ask questions about current project and future intent, a brief phone call to update a sponsor or client can all be informal communications are all great examples of informal communications. Text messages are absolutely informal, except we agree that when they are from the girlfriend they are definitely formal.

External relations can mean many things. Direct meeting with sponsors or clients, press releases, indirect news and marketing releases. The fundamental concern with external communications are that they are controlled. Where as the free movement of information can somewhat happen internally, Information the the sponsor or outside world about a particular project must be thought our and voiced correctly under the correct approval guidelines.

External

An enterprise social media portal such as SharePoint, Podio or buddy press is a great example of an internal communication line. When implemented, it helps to keep internal communication intact grouped by necessity. Information on such platforms is secure form competitors and sponsors when project details need to be kept internal only. The important factor of internal communications is classifying levels of "need to know" communication throughout the company.

Internal

"Communication"

How do we do it and why?

The 6 Dimensions of of Communication Skills