Each year, communicators face the same challenge: how to plan, adapt, and stay relevant in an environment that keeps shifting. Economic cycles, technological developments, regulatory adjustments, and evolving consumer behaviour…
Communicators carry a responsibility that extends beyond delivering campaigns or content. Our role is to secure alignment from stakeholders, build confidence in our organisation’s plans, and deliver outcomes that matter.…
As the new year approaches, many communicators will be preparing or contributing to master plans that require stakeholder approval. These plans are not just lists of activities but resource-dependent commitments…
In the previous article, we explored five principles for smarter communication planning. These principles guide how communicators can frame their master plans for 2026: Negotiate at the level of outcomes,…
As the calendar year draws to a close, communicators are tasked with shaping or contributing to the organisation’s master communication plan for the year ahead. This process is not just…
Reporting to management and stakeholders is not just the closing step in issues management. It is a structural necessity during the monitoring stage. While many communicators focus on escalation once…
Crises rarely appear from nowhere. They are usually the culmination of smaller issues that have grown over time. To understand how to anticipate and manage these developments, it helps to…
Issues management and crisis communication management are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. The distinction matters, especially for communicators at the early stage of their careers. In…
In a perfect world, each executive would have a dedicated communications advisor. These advisors would be in sync, coordinating efforts with shared timelines and strategic outcomes. But that’s not the…
You’ve aligned the executive team, briefed key spokespeople, and secured a strategic opportunity—whether that’s a media interview, panel appearance, or stakeholder roundtable. The planning was tight, and the comms team…
Big ideas are meant to drive attention and engagement. Without clear objectives and meaningful KPIs, they can become distractions rather than strategic assets. A concept that looks impressive on the…
Big ideas help communicators do their jobs more effectively. When a campaign or programme starts with a strong idea, it’s easier to cut through noise, hold attention, and move people…
One of the most persistent challenges in communication is showing how programmes and campaigns influence audience behaviour. Whether the goal is brand trust, issue awareness, or product interest, many communicators…
A common challenge faced by communicators is learning how to separate strategy from operations when planning and running programmes or campaigns. The terms are often used interchangeably, but they serve…
The project is complete. The objectives were met, the milestones were achieved, and everything went according to plan. Now, it’s time to present the outcomes to stakeholders. However, a successful…
Outputs and outcomes are both essential components of a communication programme, but they serve different purposes. Outputs refer to the tangible activities and deliverables produced, such as media coverage, social…
A plan needs a clear starting point, and for communication, or project plans, objectives provide the foundation. They establish direction, define success, and ensure efforts remain focused and measurable. Without…
Communicators are often excellent at shaping narratives and delivering messages. However, when it comes to briefing their own teams on projects, campaigns, or programmes, clarity is often lacking. A poorly…
Stakeholder relationships are at the heart of any communication function, yet they often come with challenges that lead to tension and frustration. These challenges can make it difficult for communicators…
Communicators are often regarded as the bridge between organisations and their stakeholders. But is that enough? To truly influence outcomes, communicators must aim to become trusted advisors to leadership. This…