Stop Managing Executives Ad Hoc, Use a Communications Agenda
A communications agenda is not simply a set of tasks or a calendar of appearances. It is a strategic tool that helps align the executive’s role with the organisation’s visibility,…
Measuring Executive Communications Output
Communicators often prepare executives to represent the organisation across key moments, channels, and audiences. A strong communication agenda may set the foundation, but the more difficult task is measuring whether…
Aligning and managing your executive with a communication agenda
Executives are expected to express their organisation’s value in ways that reflect a real understanding of their audiences’ concerns, expectations, and questions. That includes employees, customers, regulators, investors, and other…
What is Executive Communications, and Why Does It Matter?
Trust is a foundation-level value that businesses need to earn and maintain. It is no longer enough for organisations to talk about trust in marketing materials—it has to be seen…
Can Small Ideas Also Work for Communicators?
In communications, Big Ideas often take centre stage. They are bold, attention-grabbing, and offer the promise of immediate impact. Compared to that, Small Ideas may seem less exciting or even…
Holding The Big Idea Accountable for Objectives and KPIs
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…
Must All Big Ideas be Scaled Online?
The promise of scale has always appealed to communicators. Whether we’re raising awareness, shifting perceptions, or influencing behaviour, reach is often seen as a marker of success. In recent years,…
What are big ideas and why do they matter?
Communications and creativity are closely connected. At its best, communication activates human curiosity and interest. That’s what makes it effective—especially in communications efforts and outreach. Our audiences don’t engage because…
Preparing for an effective after-action review
We often don’t know what we don’t yet know. That’s what makes after-action reviews essential. They help communicators uncover overlooked details, identify areas for improvement, and sharpen what worked. More…
Measuring Outcomes
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…
Moving from strategy to operational objectives and outputs
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…
Presenting an outcomes-based project to stakeholders
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…
Measuring outputs effectively
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 Stakeholder relationship tool kit
Wishing for strong stakeholder relationships without investing time, effort, and meaningful actions is an unrealistic approach. Positive and strong relationships require intentionality and consistent commitment. But what does a strong…
What happens when communicators become trusted advisors
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…