Linking the role of communication to business success
I was recently helping my kids with applications to leadership clubs at their respective new schools. With a big history of volunteering and involvement, they had plenty to brag about, but their initial reaction was that they didn’t want to sound too ‘bragadocious’….apparently that’s a word now. My advice was the same I give to […]
New blog series focuses on the Communicator’s Tool Box
Originally published on IC Kollectif on September 22, 2016 As a communication professional who started in the technology industry, I’ve always been fascinated by new and emerging technologies that had the potential to enhance our corporate communication efforts. That being said, I wouldn’t call myself an early adopter. I would first watch and listen. I then would […]
Employee Engagement doesn’t happen by accident
Those who know me, who’ve worked with me, and follow me know that I’m passionate about Employee Engagement, or simply engagement in general. I love that communication done right has the power to influence and engage your employees, your customers, your members and your communities. It’s magic that brings strategies and brands to life, helps […]
September is a good time to look at what’s left in your professional development budget
It’s also time to see what’s left in the professional development budgets for your organizations and teams. For communication professionals and HR professionals asked to deliver communication programs, many in-house courses teach you about finance and business (highly recommended) but don’t necessarily help you build upon your communication skills. Yet, limited budgets mean that only […]
What engagement looks like
Last week, I ran a well-received workshop on employee engagement and this week, I’m working with Mike Woroniak, Chief Creative Officer of Arcas Advertising to prepare a presentation for the IABC World Conference on the Behind the scenes of launching the IABC brand. I have to admit that I’m quite proud of the work we’ve […]
When employee volunteer grant budgets go unused
volunteer.ca/nvw2016 My husband and I just found out today that his company donated $1000 to our daughter’s elementary school in support of their robotics program and we’re thrilled. In the 28 years he’s worked for the company, it’s the first time he thought to apply. Having communicated similar grant programs with previous employers, it amazes […]
The Importance of Asking Questions
The importance of asking questions Yesterday, my ten-year-old expressed frustration that her older sister was entering a regional film festival in which her own elementary school wasn’t participating. My response? Ask the teacher why. At the end of the day, she was thrilled to announce that her teacher had never heard of the festival, and […]
Customer Service: The good, the bad and the ugly
It’s not often that I air my dirty laundry online, but a recent experience with Expedia.ca and Staybridge Suites had me run the gamut of the customer service experience that I thought was worth sharing. The issue: I had booked a trip with Expedia.ca online and simply wanted to change the type of hotel room […]
What I learned about business success from my music teacher
Yesterday I learned about the passing of Paul McKay, my high school music teacher. I can’t believe it’s been 30 years since I graduated. I have to admit that I’ll miss seeing his smiling face and big bear hugs at our upcoming high school reunion. Losing someone, even if it’s someone I haven’t talked to […]
What ‘Live’ Kelly and Michael saga teaches us about communication during reorganization and change
“This started a conversation about communication, and consideration and most importantly respect in the workplace.” Kelly Ripa https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5j3APu4XpY Not many of us have time to watch ‘Live’ with Kelly and Michael, especially if you have a day-time job; but for the past week, I’ve been watching the saga and the botched announcement of Michael Strahan’s departure quite closely. I have to admit […]
Stop teaching them to ignore you!
What’s the difference between strategic communication and noise? Strategic communication occurs when a message is sent, understood and acted on as intended. Noise is simply that, information that is sent, misunderstood and/or ignored. We all know what that looks like. That person, department or organization that constantly sends you irrelevant information that just fills up […]
Communication versus Communications
My former boss and I used to have an ongoing conversation about the name of my team and what we did. We were the Internal Communications team. I was the Senior Director, Internal Communications. He had a real problem with that. Why? Because he believed that communications referred to the tactics and vehicles …we create […]