One of the toughest tasks for communicators is to clearly show how we add direct, tangible value to a business. Communication professionals internationally believe proving our value is one of the most important issues confronting practitioners. Responding to this need, a practical Communication Value Circle framework has been developed, which helps communicators to explain the ‘big picture’ about their role and demonstrate how it adds measurable value to the organization. All too often, senior ...
Read moreThe evidence is in plain sight. Good internal communication (IC) creates high levels of employee engagement, which in turn lifts organizational performance outcomes. Key IC drivers of employee engagement are: Employees’ relationship with their supervisor/manager Line of sight – the extent to which employees can see how their work contributes to business unit and organizational results Involvement – knowing their opinion is heard and is respected. High employee engagement creates around 22% higher ...
Read moreRecent research by Releasd found too many communicators fail to get senior executives to understand the good value of PR, and therefore they don’t have a good opinion of our value. Releasd surveyed 300 senior executives from UK companies with 1,000+ employees, and found: 20% of senior executives didn’t understand what the acronym “PR” means. 37% of senior executives didn’t have a good understanding of what the Comms function does within their business. The ...
Read moreBuild the right team To develop your function's strategic communication capability, you need to bring together a team with the right knowledge and skills, with the potential to develop their capabilities. Your team needs to be across the use of digital technology and social media. Corporate communication and PR consulting both require plenty of energy, but that energy needs to be directed at the right level. It needs to start with taking a strategic ...
Read moreWorking with your boss requires a balancing act. On one hand you need to know how best to work with your boss and maintain a good relationship. (Read my article How to boost your PR career by successfully managing your boss.) On the other hand, you need to know how to emerge from the background and assert your own standing within the organization. The contradiction in having a good boss is that while ...
Read moreSince 9/11, the world has become a more dangerous place. Every day we see in the media the latest terrorism incident that has been thwarted or happened in countries around the world. And, of course, there are all the types of corporate crises that could happen, many related to the internet and information technology. The World Economic Forum (WEF) conducted a survey among its members in early 2020 and found the most common concerns ...
Read moreIf you are like most people, you dislike having to play the political ‘game’ in your organization. However, organizations exist through the interdependent cooperation of the employees, and therefore the ability to get things done requires you to develop interpersonal skills so you can handle power and the capacity to influence those on whom you depend, ie the politics involved in the job. The blunt truth is that if you fail in this effort, ...
Read moreStudies show communication is a highly valued function in organizations – but only if the head of PR manages strategically. The single greatest determining factor of excellence is having the expertise required of a strategic manager. Read in this article how to generate strategic value. It is available to you in a convenient Kindle collection of 12 top articles on communication planning and strategy for only $11.99 including tax. Click here to buy.
Read moreMany PR managers find it difficult to understand management issues beyond the level of communication concerns. However, to be fully accepted by top management, you need to think like a manager, understand management issues from management’s perspective, talk like a manager (not use PR jargon) and to figuratively put yourself in the shoes of operational managers in looking at their problems. Above all, you are proactive and assertive, prepared to insist that PR should ...
Read moreOne of the biggest issues facing us as communication professionals is how to gain greater influence within our own organization. Our work is largely intangible, based on strengthening organizational communication links and working relationships at all levels, and so we are often vulnerable to the subjective views of corporate decision makers about our effectiveness. The question is how do we increase our standing within the organization? People can have good potential or may already ...
Read moreBias may seem a vague concept for business, but people's biases cause massive errors in business decisions, including communication decisions.
Testimonials are a classic way to create perceptions of authentic value to customers and clients. Sample testimonial: Other thoughts for
Presenting to senior executives is a daunting proposition. They are extremely busy and have to make many decisions under