Every year, I pay close attention to the Phi Delta Kappa survey of public attitudes toward public education. This year was no different. I reviewed the 2017 results with great interest. In addition to the PDK Poll, I read a lot of public opinion surveys, and try to keep a pulse on the environment surrounding public education. (It's not a secret that we live in a time of choice, right?) After reading the PDK Poll, I began to aggregate other information I've found. When I look at the data, taken as a whole, I conclude that there are at least … [Read more...]
Leadership Communication Refresher from the Millenials “Kids” Table
Does your family have a “kids’ table” at family gatherings? You know, the table set off to one side where all the little ones sit together, play with their food, and giggle at their own silly talk? All the while, the “grown-ups” are gathered at the formal dinner table, immersed in their meal and adult conversation. At a recent family gathering, an impromptu "kids" table formed, composed of the Millenials in our extended family. Traditions die hard. They just wanted to sit together. These “kids” are now in their late 20s and early 30s - … [Read more...]
Content strategy – it’s about telling the story
So how do you create a content strategy? In the communication field, we talk a lot about telling the story. Content strategy is telling the right story, on the right channel, to the right audience - in a way that the target audience cares about. Content strategy is messaging. It is deciding what are the key messages that represent your organization – what do you want people to know and understand about your organization? The other, very important side of the key messaging coin is – what do people want to know about your … [Read more...]
Communicating about an ‘issue’ is more likely than communication during crisis.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “Hi, I’m dealing with a little issue here. I wonder if you have any communication advice.” Thankfully, rarely do we see PR disasters as large as the ones recently in the news. Rather, when stuff happens, frequently we are dealing with an issue and not a crisis. On the list of things to do during "an issue" is communication. Without a proper communication response, issues can grow a life of their own and become a crisis of reputation. The goal of strategic communication during an issue is to be … [Read more...]
Getting started is the hardest part. Communication plans work!
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...]