Many organizations seek efficiencies during times of economic uncertainty. For many executives, “efficiency” equates to reducing costs. Two of the most tried and true methods of reducing costs are eliminating headcount and cutting back on support services that do not generate revenue. Frequently,...
Crisis Leadership
Insights into crisis leadership, reputation and readinessCrisis Leadership
Systems Failures May Be Trending in 2023
I was recently asked if I had any prediction for the “next thing” in crisis management for 2023. Without hesitation, I replied, “Systems failures.” 2022 ended with two epic system failures, and they threw a bright light on the potentially devastating impacts of scrimping on IT investment or...
Why It’s Necessary to Include Government Affairs in Crisis Planning
I once heard a tech icon say “I don’t believe in God or government. I believe in the church of Silicon Valley.” That is all well and good until a U.S. Senator or three lettered agency takes notice. Just ask Ticketmaster or Google. While Senators Klobuchar and Lee’s weaving in of Taylor Swift...
Protecting Your Reputation in Uncertain Times
This is a confusing economic time. Layoffs are happening but unemployment is at record lows. We are figuring out what the new normal is. It’s a lot to navigate as a business leader, and some everyday concerns are not getting the attention they deserve. Your reputation is likely one of them. So as...
Feeling Umwelt – A Mental Framework for People Who Aren’t Listening
I’ll bet every one of us has said something like, “I kept telling them this was going to happen, but I guess it just fell on deaf ears.” Their ears were tuned to another stimulus. German biologist Jakob von Uexküll defined the unique sensory environment an animal experiences as its umwelt. It is...
Understanding yourself and your mental committee
Critical takeawaysIn any situation, particularly a crisis, showing up as your best self is key to success. In order to do that, you need to understand yourself.There are many tools to help you identify your key ‘parts,’ but the model we like is based on the internal family system (IFS), which...
Be the Mast: Stability and Leadership During Crisis
Like masts, strategic communicators should not do the job alone. It’s important to know how you are supported and guyed by your team. Think of who it is that ensures you get the critical, time-sensitive information. Who are the team members you want to support you with the necessary resources, the inputs, and outputs that inform crisis response?
Thankful in a Thankless Year
I’m thankful that so many strategic communicators and companies have recognized the critical importance of “always be communicating” with your audiences who matter most.
Find Time for Strategic Thinking
Communications leaders are being pulled in many directions here are some tips to ensure you make time for strategic thinking.
Consistency and Innovation – You Need Both
As communicators, when it comes to risk, we need to be innovative while consistently assessing and mitigating it.
Are You Warm Blooded or Cold Blooded?
Awareness of how you best show up is a first step toward developing and reinforcing patterns of behavior that will make you even better as a communicator.
Confidence in Crisis: The Confident Communicator
Four ways to help overcome misplaced confidence while also allowing you to remain confident despite the uncertainty in a crisis
Are you ready for a crisis?
Is your organization prepared to respond to a crisis and protect its hard-earned reputation? Take our quiz and find out!