So what can corporate communications pros learn from Lucille Ball? We'll get to that in a second.
The role of the corporate communicator is changing. And this is a good thing. Not that long ago communicators were simply asked to put together a few PowerPoint presentations, ghost write some executive columns, know enough HTML to make you dangerous and generally be company's catch-all.
But now I'm thrilled to see corporate communicators taking a leadership role in organizations, becoming more and more the face of the organization and not the man behind the green curtain (so to speak). Communicators are being asked to lead huge projects, such as installing digital signage networks, relaunching intranets, and being the in-house social media guru.
So while this is great to see the expectations raised, the previous tasks are still likely there. It can be tough to keep up. I talk to individuals who are looking to improve communications every single day. They sound beat up. It's a fun job but it can be taxing.
And now to Lucille Ball. I'm reminded of this classic scene where she's working in a candy factory with Ethel Merman. All they have to do is wrap the chocolate before it gets to packaging. Simple enough. But as you see, the pace picks up and they can't keep up.
Corporate communicators need to learn an important word. "No." We tend to want to take on anything we can get, including items out of our scope. But when you do, you you run the risk of letting the "chocolate" slip by. We're there to wrap the chocolate. And when you fall behind, you can't shove items down your shirt or hide them in your hat like Lucille and Ethel.
And does the boss sound familiar to anyone?
The role of the corporate communicator is changing. And this is a good thing. Not that long ago communicators were simply asked to put together a few PowerPoint presentations, ghost write some executive columns, know enough HTML to make you dangerous and generally be company's catch-all.
But now I'm thrilled to see corporate communicators taking a leadership role in organizations, becoming more and more the face of the organization and not the man behind the green curtain (so to speak). Communicators are being asked to lead huge projects, such as installing digital signage networks, relaunching intranets, and being the in-house social media guru.
So while this is great to see the expectations raised, the previous tasks are still likely there. It can be tough to keep up. I talk to individuals who are looking to improve communications every single day. They sound beat up. It's a fun job but it can be taxing.
And now to Lucille Ball. I'm reminded of this classic scene where she's working in a candy factory with Ethel Merman. All they have to do is wrap the chocolate before it gets to packaging. Simple enough. But as you see, the pace picks up and they can't keep up.
Corporate communicators need to learn an important word. "No." We tend to want to take on anything we can get, including items out of our scope. But when you do, you you run the risk of letting the "chocolate" slip by. We're there to wrap the chocolate. And when you fall behind, you can't shove items down your shirt or hide them in your hat like Lucille and Ethel.
And does the boss sound familiar to anyone?
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