To be successful, association communications teams need good leaders, consistency, and a seat at the table when decisions are made. Building and leading communications teams that deliver are high priorities for all associations. But how do you know if you’re on the right track?
Stumbling through situations is a great teacher. I have tried hard to extract lessons from my experiences, including missteps and small victories. Now, with a bit more than two decades of historical perspective, I can begin to put my arms around the bigger picture of this profession–and reflect on what I wish I’d known when I started.
Dear Rhode Island, We’ve been in Rhode Island for a year now, and I thought it was time to write a quick letter to my new home state. So far, it’s been a wonderful experience. From the beaches of South County to Wright’s Dairy Farm — and so much in between — Rhode Island feels like a warm hug.
The chief executive should have skipped the meeting, but attended it, and a group is threatening to leak this information to a major local paper. I mentioned to the chief executive I expected a call from a reporter asking about the meeting; the chief executive was visibly upset. Pausing for a minute, the chief executive had an idea. I should tell the reporter the leaked information was false. “I didn’t attend the meeting” would be the line I was to deliver.
Recently, while searching for a file on my home computer, I stumbled upon a document entitled “Communicate on Purpose.” The title fascinated me, but I admit it rang no bells. Until I opened it.