Build a position people can believe.
Before shaping the message, assess what the organization is doing, what it can support and where communication can strengthen understanding and trust.
Independent communications counsel
Trust is seen
and heard.
Organizations rarely lose trust because they lack words. I help leaders make the choices behind the words, especially when the stakes are high and the answer is not obvious.
Communications strategy
Reputation management
Crisis + issues
Brand communications
Executive visibility
Start with the situation
What does this moment require?
Not every challenge needs a statement, a campaign or more attention. Start with the situation, then decide what communication can actually accomplish.
When speed can create mistakes
Get the facts, the decision and the response working together.
Fast situations need disciplined judgment. Establish what is known, what has to happen next and what different audiences need from you.
Questions to resolve
- What is confirmed, and what is still uncertain?
- Who needs to hear from you first?
- What would make the situation materially worse?
Relevant counsel
Senior counsel, directly involved
The message is rarely the first problem.
Clients often call because they need a response. I begin one step earlier: What happened? What decision is being made? What will people expect the organization to do?
“Be quick, but don’t hurry.”
My perspective was shaped in the U.S. Senate, as Managing Director, Public Relations at Colle+McVoy, and now as an independent adviser. More than 20 years of agency and client leadership taught me to see the business decision, the public reaction and the human consequence at the same time. I stay directly involved from the first question through the final response.
Give people words they can carry.
A response has to work beyond the communications team, in the hands of leaders, employees, customers and partners.
Know when more communication makes things worse.
Respond when the facts and stakes require it. Prepare quietly when attention would only magnify the problem.
Where I am most useful
When communication is part of a bigger decision.
I am most useful when a communications question is also a business, reputation or public-expectations question, especially when facts are moving and leaders need an experienced outside perspective.
Selected thinking
Words alone can’t save an organization.
AI can improve the language. It cannot make the thinking behind it better.
Read on LinkedIn ↗Start a conversation
A conversation is a good place to begin.
If something is on your mind, let’s talk. We can sort out what the moment requires and whether I can help.
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