Internal communications and empowering the client

Do internal communicators get better only by doing more work for their internal customers? Or do they only move to the next level by empowering others to be better communicators? This debate has always intrigued me – since we find internal communicators getting stuck in routine jobs since we have not been able to move ahead of the basic requirement that exists.

So does an internal communicator get savvy and street-smart? Here is my take. I call it the 3Ps.

Projection: Be seen and perceived as an expert on the subject and as a willing teacher/coach. When you get stuck in the ‘do-er’ mode, the internal client tends to view you in that mode. Demonstrating interest and action in getting others to follow suit.
Pattern: Create templates for easier usage and consistency. Recently, by empowering internal teams with access to visuals and certificate templates, we cut down on our involvement completely. Register regular requests from internal teams and create templates like mail formats for invites, registrations, thank you notes among others.
Practice: Hand-hold the internal clients till then are aware of how to go about the business of communicating. Believe me, once they begin, they will love the freedom and the element of creativity that comes along with the activity. Play the role of counselor at this stage – let them bounce of ideas and issues with the communication. Move from creating communication to reviewing them.

Does this idea sound viable according to you? Post your comments.