In today’s business climate of tight budgets and falling staffing levels, the key to keeping employees informed, motivated, engaged and loyal to their employer is effective internal and corporate communication.

In this context, it’s imperative that leaders (supported by their HR, change management, and communication professionals) take on the role of primary communicator – laying out clear expectations and implementing programmes that not only enhance teamwork, but enable employees to understand that their contribution towards surviving in difficult times is invaluable.

Yet in many global organisations, leaders and managers are not strong communicators.

Based on a 2009 survey conducted by international consultancy Webber Shandwick Worldwide’s, 54% of participating employees had not heard from their leaders during a crisis. In South Africa the situation is even more dire.

Leadership communication is a key topic that will be presented at Melcrum’s Corporate Communication Management Summit taking place in early June.

As well as providing the conference keynote, Darren Briggs, a globally renowned expert on leadership communication, will present a workshop on how leaders and managers can be better communicators.

Sian Dennis, a well-known South African change management specialist, will also be addressing a workshop on change management, and how it can influence employee attitudes, opinions and behaviour.

The Summit will showcase many leading South African companies, who will present case studies on the internal and corporate communication challenges encountered in specific industry and business environments across South Africa.

Participants are encouraged to offer their input and experiences, and network with their peers throughout the Summit.