IT Communications Research Center

IT Communications Are Critical

Effective communication is the cornerstone to a successful IT organization. It can lead to better buy-in, improve stakeholder satisfaction, and ultimately improve IT's reputation with the organization.

But, like any technical skill, communication requires training and practice. Use our practical resources to build the foundation for effective communication in your IT organization.

Effective Communications Are:

Consistent: The message remains the same regardless of the audience, channel, or messenger.

Concise: Communicate the message concisely, without losing the intent of the communication.

Clear: Anyone could understand what you are trying to convey. The audience does not need a technological background to follow the communication.

Engaging: The message should always grab the attention of the audience and lead to dialogue between all stakeholders involved.

Relevant: The audience receiving the communication wants to hear the message and will be able to respond in the desired manner.

Explore Our Approach

Communications Foundations

Communication Toolbox

Everything you need to effectively communicate any message any time.

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Our approach to the communications process

Critical Skills

Communication competencies for every IT role.

Build a Better Manager Communicate Effectively Participant Workbook Effectively Manage CxO Relations Stakeholder Management Analysis Tool Conflict Resolution Role Play Scenarios Manage Conflict Constructively Facilitation Guide 8 Tips for Better Virtual Facilitation Define Your Virtual and Hybrid Event Requirements

Business Communications

Board Presentations

Grab the board’s attention and gain their support for IT’s strategic objectives.

Boardroom Presentation Review Board-Level Security Metrics Presentation Template IT Strategy One-Page Summary

Business Updates

Align with business peers on strategy and action plans.

Build and Deliver an Optimized IT Update Presentation Identify the Customer Satisfaction Metrics That Matter Communicate Your CEO-CIO Alignment Results Communicate Your CIO Business Vision Diagnostic Results IT Year in Review Template Present Security to Executive Stakeholders Establish High-Value IT Performance Dashboards and Metrics

Organization-Wide Communications

IT Strategic Initiatives

Get buy-in and understanding across the organization on the critical initiatives IT will deliver to support organizational objectives.

Executive Business Case Presentation IT Strategy Communication and Execution Plan Template Organizational Design Communications Deck Communicate Any IT Initiative Master Organizational Change Management Practices IT Townhall Template

Crisis Management

Share the right message for the right audience in any crisis.

Crisis Communication Guides Crisis Communication Guidelines and Templates Emergency Response Plan Checklist, Summary, and Staff Instructions Layoffs Communication Package Crisis Matrix Communications Templates 10 Communication Best Practices in the Face of Crisis Implement Crisis Management Best Practices

Internal IT Communications

IT Activities & Tactics

Enable the right communications within IT and with business stakeholders when it comes to specific activities.

Modernize Communications and Collaboration Infrastructure Take Action on Service Desk Customer Feedback Key Metrics for Every CIO IT Townhall Template IT Year in Review Template

Everyday IT

Support the right level of communication within the different IT teams.

Equip Managers to Effectively Manage Virtual Teams Help Managers Inform, Interact, and Involve on the Way to Team Engagement Take Action on Service Desk Customer Feedback

Historically, IT has struggled to communicate effectively:

Using technical jargon when a universal language is needed.

Speaking at organizational stakeholders rather than engaging through dialogue.

Not understanding the needs of the audience.

To meet today’s expectations for IT, a proactive approach to effective communications is required.

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