More Than Just Memos: How Internal Comms Builds Culture, Curiosity, and Accountability

Brooklyn, NY

When you're part of an inspired organization, your team isn’t just clocking in - they’re showing up with heart. But purpose alone doesn’t guarantee alignment, clarity, or connection. That’s where strong internal communications come in.

At 10F Communications we’ve seen and shown that the way you communicate inside your organization deeply affects how you show up outside of it.

Let’s talk about how intentional internal communications can help build a stronger, more connected team.

Building a Culture of Connection

• Be transparent, even when it’s hard.
  Trust starts with transparency. Share the “why” behind decisions, be upfront about challenges, and invite your team into the process when possible. It’s not just about being open - it’s about making people feel seen and respected.

• Breaking Down Silos.

  By sharing updates across teams, encouraging cross-functional conversations, and being intentional about who’s in the loop (and when), you make space for collaboration. You create a culture where people understand not just what they’re doing, but what others are working toward too. When people see the bigger picture - and their place in it - they stay more engaged, more accountable, and more curious about how they can contribute beyond their own roles.

• Listen with intention.
  Feedback shouldn’t be a one-time survey. Make space for real conversations - through in-person catch-up sessions, town halls, regular check-ins, anonymous channels, or open-door policies. Listening shows that you value your team’s ideas and experiences.

• Celebrate wins.
  Recognize the people behind the work. Whether it’s a shoutout in a team meeting or a spotlight in the internal newsletter, appreciation fuels morale and reminds your team they’re making a difference.

• Keep the mission front and center.
  Internal messages shouldn’t sound like they’re from a corporate template. Infuse them with the voice, values, and passion that drive your work. It helps ground the team in the bigger picture and ensure everyone’s aware of the branding and talking points to get your story out there.

• Use the right tools for the job.
  Not every update needs a meeting, and not every idea fits in Slack. Find the right balance of platforms that allow your team to collaborate, stay informed, and stay connected.

Engaging Your Team from the Inside Out

• Create moments of connection.
  Team-building doesn’t have to be … painful. Even for most introverted. Think creative retreats, lunchtime learning sessions, visiting museums or local landmarks, or group volunteer days.

• Invest in your people.
  Offer mentorship, training, and growth opportunities. When your team knows you’re invested in them, they’ll stay more invested in the mission.

• Celebrate progress.
  It’s easy to get caught up in the next deadline or crisis. But don’t skip the pause to acknowledge what’s working. A culture that celebrates progress is one that’s built to last.

Final Thoughts:
Internal communications isn’t just about sharing updates - it’s about building trust, connection, and culture. For mission-driven teams, this work is essential. It’s how you create an environment where people feel aligned, supported, and ready to make an impact.

Need help figuring out how to strengthen your internal communications? That’s what we’re here for.