If you’re like me, you love a great story of triumph.
We find them in books, movies, and even songs. We want the underdog in these stories to win, and we celebrate when they finally do.
There’s usually a situation or someone who guides them or facilitates their journey- and we’re especially moved if they find the strength to charge ahead on their own.
But as communicators, we never want the “underdogs” in organizations out there on their own.
I’m talking about the folks we often forget to include in communications planning because they’re not our primary contact, a department head, or a C-Suite leader.
We have to challenge ourselves to always create intentional spaces to hear from employees at all levels.
And we must counsel leaders about the importance of actually doing something with the feedback they share, of implementing their good ideas.
As a trusted communications advisor, you should be the one who emphasizes the importance of making space for the underdogs – those diverse voices behind the brand who may not get asked their opinion, but will surely make it known when our communications are inauthentic and off the mark. You should be the one who asks “What does the XX team think? Did the staff weigh in on this?”
If you’re nodding in agreement, you get that communications pros have to encourage organizations to empower their people. We must listen to staff and be more intentional about creating safe spaces for them to share their thoughts, opinions, and ideas about the brand.
I know it can be daunting to know where to start, so we should talk if you’re ready to do this type of work for your company or clients but aren’t sure how to get there. I’ll share how my signature program, Corporate Messaging for Communicators, can help you engage diverse voices and do meaningful, strategic work that guides your company or clients in the right direction.