2020 will go down as one of the most challenging years we collectively experienced. Despite the tough year, like many of you, I am optimistic for the upcoming new year and hopeful for 2021. As the year ends, many of us are working on the tradition of New Year’s resolutions and goals. I offer a new lens for determining what you plan to accomplish in 2021. Instead of setting resolutions, take a page out of the business world, and develop quarterly SMART objectives. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-Bound for those of you who may not be aware. After completing my MBA, I pulled back from goals and focused on SMART objectives, and it transformed my life. Goals are good, and I believe in them. Still, they are too general and often have no real action plan. Frequently New Year’s goals are abandoned before the end of the month. SMART objectives force more accountability and increase your focus.
I am often asked what is Public Relations, I could recite the traditional corporate mumbo jumbo and talk about brand reputation, stakeholder management, media relations or driving value with strategic communications which are all correct. However, at the heart of public relations is one thing, PEOPLE. Public Relations is people relations. If you don’t understand how to connect authentically with people, you are not going to be successful in developing and implementing a public relations plan.
If you do not understand how to exercise empathy, you will not build authentic relationships with your target audience. This does not mean you change who you are or try to be something that you are not as a brand, but it is important that your engagements with your target audience are built in a way that create basic human respect as the foundation of your communications.
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, the confluence of leadership, communication, and artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping the way organizations navigate complexity, foster collaboration, and drive innovation. As AI technologies advance, leaders are presented with a unique opportunity to leverage these tools to enhance their communication strategies and decision-making processes. In this blog, we’ll explore the intricate relationship between these three pillars and how their integration can pave the way for a more connected, informed, and empowered workforce.
