It seems to me that there are a few common reasons that stop leaders from getting started on improving their organization's communication. After reflecting upon these, it also occurred to me that there is one common solution. Developing a communication plan is the essential starting point. Let's examine a few possible obstacles that you may face as you contemplate how to improve your organization's communication efforts - and the reasons why I encourage you not to let these obstacles stand in your way! 1."I don't have time." Believe it or … [Read more...]
Branding is More Than a Logo, It is an Experience
I really think that the concept of branding often gets confused with the concept of graphic design and/or developing the visual look for your organization’s materials. If you have the right logo and the right stationary, you're done branding. Right? Have you ever heard the expression “you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear?” I'm sorry - I think that's a gross expression, but it makes my point. When I looked up that cliché here’s the meaning I found: “Being unable to turn something ugly or inferior into something attractive or of … [Read more...]
A focus on leadership communication is essential part of the job
Can you think of a time in your work life when you weren’t in the loop on information that you needed to do your job? How did that feel? Most people would say, “Not so good.” Ok, now think about how communication could have supplied a simple remedy. Just as communication is foundational to our individual professional lives, effective leadership communication is foundational to effective organizations, too. Admittedly, your leadership communication will reflect your beliefs about leadership style. Personally, I think of it as the type of … [Read more...]
Finding that Elusive Engaging Content
Communicate about what people care about! Recently I attended a conference of school communication and public relations professionals. While trying to soak up idea after idea, one piece of advice kept running through my mind and seemed to overarch all my thinking. The advice went something like this: It doesn’t matter what platform you use, use it well and create engaging content. How do you develop engaging content? What IS engaging content? To me, one way to create engaging content is to talk about what people care about. Admittedly, that … [Read more...]