By Matisse Hamel-Nelis
Matisse Hamel-Nelis reminds us that IDEA are more than just buzzwords; they are vital principles that can transform the world of communications.
In the ever-evolving world of communications, the principles IDEA are gaining increasing significance. When applied effectively, they help foster a more enriched, engaging and impactful communication environment – enhancing meaningful internal and external interactions.
Embracing Inclusion
Inclusion is about making sure everyone’s voice is heard and valued. It’s about creating a culture that respects and celebrates individual differences. In communications, inclusive language and behaviours can drive more meaningful engagements.
Tip: To improve inclusivity, encourage everyone to express their thoughts, acknowledge different viewpoints and demonstrate empathy.
Championing Diversity
While often intertwined with inclusion, diversity is about appreciating and leveraging the variety of backgrounds, experiences and ideas within a team. It’s about recognizing that these differences create more robust, creative and adaptable communication strategies.
Tip: Embrace diverse viewpoints in your communications. Use brainstorming sessions and feedback channels to gather insights from various perspectives.
Promoting Equity
Equity in communications means ensuring everyone has equal access to opportunities and resources. This involves addressing systemic biases and breaking down barriers that hinder certain groups.
Tip: Create and enforce clear, fair policies that ensure everyone’s voice is valued equally. Audit your communication channels regularly to identify and remove any systemic barriers.
Ensuring Accessibility
Accessibility is about making your communications available and understandable to everyone, irrespective of their abilities or circumstances. This is a crucial aspect of creating genuinely inclusive communications.
Tip: Use plain language, provide multiple format options and consider the varying needs of your audience. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) can help enhance the accessibility of digital communications.
Integrating IDEA into Hiring & Recruitment
IDEA must be woven into all facets of a communication professional’s role, including hiring and recruitment. Diverse and inclusive teams can offer broader perspectives, leading to richer and more innovative communication strategies.
Tip: Ensure job advertisements and descriptions are inclusive and accessible. Use unbiased screening processes, diverse interview panels and equitable selection processes.
Fostering a Culture of IDEA
Beyond hiring and day-to-day communication, the IDEA principles should guide the overarching culture within an organization. This involves ongoing education, regular discussions about diversity and inclusion, and holding everyone in the organization accountable for upholding these principles.
Tip: Schedule regular IDEA training sessions, encourage open conversations about these themes and recognize and reward those who champion them.
Addressing the Audience
Understanding your audience’s diverse needs, perspectives and experiences is essential for crafting effective, inclusive communications. As the face of societies continues to evolve, understanding and respecting this diversity is critical to staying relevant and engaging.
Tip: Conduct regular audience research, keep abreast of social changes, and be ready to adapt your communications accordingly.
IDEA are more than just buzzwords. They are vital principles that can transform the world of communications, making it more engaging, innovative, and impactful. By integrating these principles into every aspect of their work, communication professionals can drive change within their organizations and the broader society.
Remember, embracing IDEA isn’t just about being on the right side of history. It’s about unlocking a wealth of untapped potential that can propel the communications profession to new heights.
About the Author
Matisse Hamel-Nelis, ADS, CPACC is VP of Communications for AbleDocs and a professor in the PR and Strategic Communications program at Durham College. She also sits as the Vice President of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility for IABC/Toronto.
She also holds two designations through the International Association of Accessibility Professionals as a Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC) and Accessible Documents Specialist (ADS).
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