Challenge:
The problem could be summed up in two words: information overload. Employees at this telecommunications company (now part of CenturyLink) reported in a survey that their biggest complaint about communication was that there was just too much of it. The Internal Communications director soon discovered why: 160 different people (in roles such as marketing, HR, regional management, etc.) regularly sent information to some or all employees.

Solution:
Since the Internal Communications director couldn't simply stop the flood, she decided to bring communicators together to solve the immediate problem, as well as address other communication challenges.

Davis & Company worked closely with the director to help her make a case to create a communication council, including:

• Defining the council structure, and roles and responsibilities
• Identifying council leaders and members

We also planned and facilitated the council's kick-off meeting, as well as a follow-up meeting.

Results:
The council agreed on an approach to tackle information overload with two immediate steps: an organizational communication calendar, and standards for when and how to communicate to various employee groups. The council also set priorities for other issues it would address over the next year.