We've been lucky enough to be asked a few times to review communications functions in some sizable organisations.  And each time we start work with a new client we look around and soak things up like curious neighbours.

You know those people who visit houses that are for sale, but don't plan to buy?  That's us.

We're like structural engineers who get a kick out of seeing if your plumbing is in the right place.

But there are a few things that really fascinate us about this.  Seeing as most of the readers of this blog are in the communication business I thought you might be interested in some of those in highlight.

1. The central / local tension
Invariably there is a goal to get as much delivered locally as possible.  But the centre often has the expertise and the access to key information.

2. The scarce skills
No offense to some of my colleagues, but you can often find a pretty good PR person.  There's a market for marketing and advertising people.  But where do you find a real internal communications specialist?  Strategic planners are a rare breed too.  And speech writers... They're like finding a good hair dresser. (But different.).

3. The business unit communicator
Everyone wants one.   In some companies VPs measure their importance by having their own pet BU communicator.

4. Educating leaders
Whenever we go to meet leaders and ask them about their communication function. There are always a few who say that they just want someone... anyone... to do their PowerPoint.  Many leaders haven't really thought through what it is that Communications can do for them.

5. Resource allocation
The questions that often come up are: do we need an intranet design team? Do we need production management?  Do we need an events capability?  And the answer is often: Not really.  Only if you can't get better service elsewhere at a lesser over-all price.  Do you have to have in-house designers?  Are your needs that particular?  Can you keep good ones?

Your communication plumbing is not always a sexy business.  But poor plumbing can lead to poor health.  Whereas, if you get it right, you've got everything you want at the turn of a tap.

What do you think?  Did I get away with that analogy? 

/df