At the heart of every strong community lies a simple but essential ingredient: communication. It’s how we connect, collaborate, and build trust, and it forms the foundation of belonging. But effective community communication doesn’t happen by accident; it’s intentional, inclusive, and centred on transparency.
In the words of Dan, “communication is about being deliberate.” So what does good communication look like in a community? Let’s break it down.
1. Deliberate Communication
In any community, communication needs purpose. This means going beyond assumptions, avoiding vague instructions, and being clear in setting expectations. Too often, leaders assume that everyone’s on the same page, but without clarity, misunderstandings are common. As Dan highlighted, “assumptions open us up to epic fails.”
Good communication recognises the need for regular updates, clear instructions, and ample space for questions and feedback.
2. Openness and Honesty
Open communication is at the core of community trust. It means being honest about intentions, transparent with updates, and open to feedback. Joyned takes this principle seriously by creating a platform where open, accessible communication is encouraged and enabled.
When community members feel that communication is genuine, they’re more likely to engage fully and voice their own ideas, knowing that their input is valued and their concerns will be heard.
3. Internal Communication Takes Priority
In many organisations, there’s often more focus on external branding than on the internal communication that keeps community members connected. Andy noted that while external branding is important, it doesn’t strengthen the internal bonds needed for a healthy community. Internal communication—whether it’s weekly updates, meeting recaps, or individual check-ins—builds the trust and alignment that a community needs.
Joyned’s approach keeps communication focused on the people within the community, ensuring that each member feels informed, engaged, and supported.
4. Clarity in Values and Purpose
For communication to be truly effective, it has to be aligned with the community’s core values. Every interaction, update, or discussion should reflect the group’s mission and beliefs. This doesn’t mean repeating values in every message but rather ensuring that all communication supports the group’s shared purpose. At Joyned, we support this by enabling communities to define their values within the app, making it easier for all members to stay aligned with the community’s goals.
Why Communication Is Key to Community Success
With clear, open communication, a community doesn’t just function; it flourishes. It’s through intentional and transparent communication that community members feel informed, valued, and united around a common purpose.
Our mission at Joyned is to support this level of communication because we know it’s what makes communities strong and connected. Whether you’re leading a charity, sports team, or organisation, fostering great communication is the best way to ensure that your community is healthy, resilient, and set up for success.
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