I was reminded the other day how important indirect communication can be in business. A chance remark to an HR manager I have known for many years led to an email out of the blue from one of their friends answering the question for me.
I once saw an American TV show where participants were each given a hundred dollars and asked to see how far they could grow it in a week. Those who kept buying and selling goods to make their capital grow did well, but the biggest growth was achieved by a young man who enlisted the services of others for a car washing service. Those using the car wash for the first time got their car washed for free provided they agreed to recommend the service to their friends using a discount voucher. Day one produced no revenue, but day two resulted in a queue around the block. People had lived up to their promises and the power of indirect communication was well illustrated.
So how can we use this to good effect in our working lives? We all know how fast bad news can spread and how distorted a message can get as it passes between people. But what about letting good news work for you?
In the days when the UK had a coal industry I was invited by my client – the NCB – to go down Britain’s deepest coal mine, in Kent. 1500 metres down it gets very hot and the miners often worked semi-naked . But news got around I was bringing a young female consultant with me. It required a special permit for a woman to go underground and this fact was quickly passed down to the coal face. When we arrived the miners had clearly reached a pact to curb their bad language and everyone was sweating in overalls. Yet, however uncomfortable and disruptive the visit, the mine produced a record output that day.
So, instead of official notices and emails, allow the company’s social networks work for you. Let informal communications carry important messages and gain valuable feedback by letting well connected individuals know you need some fresh ideas. You may be surprised how quickly and positively such channels can operate.