Gerard Corbett, APR, Fellow PRSA

Offering constructive feedback to your team in Strategic Communications involves a thoughtful and empathetic approach. Be Specific and Clear. Focus on specific actions or outcomes rather than general behaviors. Balance Positive and Negative Feedback. Start with strengths before addressing areas for improvement. Make it Actionable. Provide concrete suggestions for improvement. Be Timely. Give feedback close to the event for it to be relevant and actionable. Encourage Two Way Dialogue. Be empathetic. Allow space for the team member to ask questions and discuss the feedback. This approach ensures feedback is constructive, supportive, and leads to growth.

Gaining valuable experience in Corporate Communications when starting out involves several key steps. Internships and Entry-Level Roles: Seek internships or assistant positions in corporate communications, public relations, or marketing departments to build foundational skills. Freelance or Volunteer Work: Offer your services to nonprofits or small businesses to gain hands-on experience. Networking: Attend industry events, join relevant professional associations (e.g., PRSAetc., IABC, ), and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. Continuous Learning: Take courses in communications, crisis management, and digital marketing to stay updated with industry trends. These strategies can help build a strong foundation in corporate communications.

Ensuring consistent messaging across various platforms during a PR crisis requires a well-coordinated strategy. Designate a crisis management team with a clear leader who approves all messages before dissemination. Create core talking points that can be adapted for different platforms but remain consistent in tone and content. Schedule posts and updates to maintain a unified timeline across platforms. Track responses and adjust messaging as needed while staying true to the core narrative. Ensure all representatives are briefed on the key messages to maintain uniformity in all public statements. These steps help maintain control over the narrative and ensure clarity across all communication channels. Be certain the management team buys in!!!

Stay ahead with new technologies and continuous learning and development. Build flexibility into plans and offer scenario planning and risk management services. Set clear, realistic goals and maintain transparent communications. Implement robust cybersecurity measures and stay compliant with regulations. Build diverse teams with global experience and foster strong local partnerships. Develop expertise in sustainable practices and trends. Build a strong brand and leverage thought leadership. Offer competitive compensation and foster a positive workplace culture. Invest in remote collaboration tools and master virtual communications. Stay updated on regulatory changes and ensure that compliance is integrated into all services.

Keep detailed records of your contributions. Regularly update the boss and team on your achievements. Highlight metrics and outcomes. Privately speak with your boss to discuss how credit is attributed. Politely but firmly express the importance of recognizing individual contributions. Build relationships with colleagues and higher-ups. Share successes in conversations and department meetings. Participate actively in company events to showcase your work. Use performance reviews to spotlight achievements. Share successes on social channels. Engage with industry groups to showcase your work. Consider if this issue is a recurring pattern or an isolated incident. It might be time to consider other opportunities. Continue to develop your skills.

Employ empathy to understand the emotional and mental health needs of employees. Foster an environment where employees feel safe to express their concerns. Open communication and feedback can help build engagement. Prioritize employee well-being and lead by example. Implement policies that promote work-life balance. Ensure equal opportunities and non-discriminatory practices. Implement wellness programs, mental health resources and recreation. Promote skill and career advancement to improve job satisfaction. Foster a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture where diversity is valued. Conduct team-building to strengthen relationships and improve cohesion. Establish robust support systems and resources to help employees navigate crises.