Media outlets across the country are reporting details of an Associated Press survey that 16% of Americans are unaware of rebate checks being part of an economic stimuls package.  Forget the question of the effectiveness of the program here.  The real issue is the 16% of Americans uninformed about the program.

Now, take that fact and look at your own organization.  How well are your important messages beinge received, and retained, by your employees?  Do you even know if the message is getting through?

Everyone processes information through their own set of filters, therefore, any important communication within your company must be able to penetrate those filters.  Examine the vehicles used to communicate.  Do you rely solely on newsletters or emails?  Does every executive know the message, understand its importance, and have the same 30-second elevator speech to support the message?

With all of the new and almost instantaneous means of communication, it is essential to realize that many messages still do not get through to their intended audience.  How well is your message getting through to your employees?  To your customers?