Last week I had the privilege to work with the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition on internal communications for their global organization of grassroots AIDS activists. I started by asking the staff to create an org chart of ITPC on the wall of the meeting room, which we could refer to throughout the day.

Creating an org chart, adding communication pathways

Then they added in the different communication pathways the organization needed to succeed.  Colored yarn represented different types of communication, like “informing,” “consulting,” and “directing.”

Pathways that were not up to snuff got a GAP marker.

After the pathways were drawn, all the gaps were recorded on note cards so staff could vote on which they wanted to focus on.  We didn’t have time to address all the gaps, but we wanted to make sure we addressed the most important.

Staff vote for the gaps they think should be addressed during the workshop

Then I facilitated a group discussion of solutions.  We developed several practical processes to improve internal communication, such as Watering Hole Wednesdays, when staff around the world would be on Skype at the same time twice a month for casual conversation.

Staff discuss practical solutions and create a plan for implementation,