It has been written by many others as well as myself on numerous occasions how the act of communication is fraught with a multitude of potential roadblocks, barriers, etc. In the effort to connect with another, the odds of one being successful are rarely as good as any of us would like. Further, the goal of actually making and maintaining a successful connection without misunderstandings or mixed signals getting in the way are as rare as Garfield the Cat leaving behind a fresh bowl of lasagna. The result, at least among some, is that many communication efforts that do not succeed to the fullest are viewed as being failed. This is not quite fair.
By definition, any attempt to communicate, despite one's motive, represents a contribution to the establishment of a connection between individuals or publics. This includes efforts that do not succeed. Suppose for example, one seeks to sell a new brand of denture cleanser to senior citizens and to do that they purchase advertising time on the cartoon network geared primarily for children. Such a strategy would no doubt quickly be found to be misguided as well as a waste of money and creative energy. In addition, the poor results would compel the producer of this new product to rethink their outreach plan and try something else.
Failure for any of us is part of our communication process. No one is accurately understood all the time. No one generates the results they wish in promotional efforts all the time. Never mind the reasons for this. Never mind who is at fault. The reality is when it comes to communicating, failure is part of the mix. This reality forces us to constantly rethink how and what we communicate with others. This is not a bad thing by any means. The more we do this the greater the odds are we will become more proficient and - dare I say it - successful at connecting with others. Thus, while failure may not always be fun, it sure is necessary.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Friday, December 26, 2014
The Challenge of Communicators
One way to identify those who communication professionally is that they walk around with a bulls-eye implanted on their foreheads. Obviously, that is literally not the case but the fact they are easy targets for criticism and second-guessing is certainly real. Because most, if not all, efforts to connect with others have some margin of error, there is always room for improvement: a message might not be understandable to some; it may not be as appealing as other communiques; people may not like the way it was presented; or the timing of it might be off. There are lots of reasons not all communication efforts succeed and not shortage of critics around to point out the whys and wherefores of their missing the mark.
Those in journalism, for example, are often blasted because their reporting is deemed to be biased, superficial, shallow, and focused on matters of triviality. Folks in public relations are criticized because their efforts are viewed as being misleading, not in the public interest, and sugar-coated. In all fairness, this is not to say these criticisms are not without merit. Those working in the world of journalism and public relations represent the two biggest engines of communication in our world. As a result, they need to be watched closely and held accountable for the so-called work they do. After all, reporters and public relations practitioners directly and indirectly touch the lives of millions of people throughout our planet.
Having said that, however, it is important to remember that what these men and women do is extremely valuable and rarely, if ever, without challenge. Those they report on and/or represent are not always cooperative. These folks want to control what is written and/or said about them. Consequently, many are not particularly accessible or forthcoming in their interactions with professional communicators. The result is producing and distributing accurate and unfiltered information is a constant challenge. Yes, journalists and those in public relations should be watched closely and held to high standards. At the same time, they deserve to be appreciated for at least trying to ensure our society remains open and free.
Those in journalism, for example, are often blasted because their reporting is deemed to be biased, superficial, shallow, and focused on matters of triviality. Folks in public relations are criticized because their efforts are viewed as being misleading, not in the public interest, and sugar-coated. In all fairness, this is not to say these criticisms are not without merit. Those working in the world of journalism and public relations represent the two biggest engines of communication in our world. As a result, they need to be watched closely and held accountable for the so-called work they do. After all, reporters and public relations practitioners directly and indirectly touch the lives of millions of people throughout our planet.
Having said that, however, it is important to remember that what these men and women do is extremely valuable and rarely, if ever, without challenge. Those they report on and/or represent are not always cooperative. These folks want to control what is written and/or said about them. Consequently, many are not particularly accessible or forthcoming in their interactions with professional communicators. The result is producing and distributing accurate and unfiltered information is a constant challenge. Yes, journalists and those in public relations should be watched closely and held to high standards. At the same time, they deserve to be appreciated for at least trying to ensure our society remains open and free.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Free Trait Theory
One quality that everyone shares is that we are a mixed bag of emotions and behavioral patterns. Looking back over our lives, regardless of the amount of time we have been alive, all of us can identify times when we exhibited the entire range of emotions as well as behaved in ways were totally opposite what we consider to be our normal way of conducting ourselves. Myself, for instance, I was extremely happy at my daughter's wedding and equally sad at the funeral. In terms of behavior, when teaching I am gregarious while at home I am usually quiet and reflective. In these examples, my moods and behavior vary depending upon my circumstance.
One assessment of such mood swings and behavior might be that I am schizophrenic. But a much more realistic perspective is found in what educator Brian Little identified in his Free Trait Theory. It is Little's contention that a person's fixed traits - how they are normally - and free traits - how they behave in various situations - compromise all of us. While we are born with certain personality traits, we can and do act out of character at times when behaving "different" is called for. In other words, according to Little, all of us are comprised of a wide range of feelings and behavioral patterns that we call upon to help us contend with various situations and/or moments that are important to us.
It is this innate ability to be flexible that enables us to get through our days with at least some degree of success. For professional communicators, Little's Free Trait Theory is particularly applicable as it addresses the ability these men and women exhibit to help others address their outreach goals in an array of circumstances and often in the face of complex obstacles. None of us are one way. Nor should we be. This is vital for those who practice public relations. These men and women often serve as the front-line on behalf of those who want to connect with multiple publics. The flexibility of professional communicators - under the umbrella of the free trait theory - helps make this happen.
One assessment of such mood swings and behavior might be that I am schizophrenic. But a much more realistic perspective is found in what educator Brian Little identified in his Free Trait Theory. It is Little's contention that a person's fixed traits - how they are normally - and free traits - how they behave in various situations - compromise all of us. While we are born with certain personality traits, we can and do act out of character at times when behaving "different" is called for. In other words, according to Little, all of us are comprised of a wide range of feelings and behavioral patterns that we call upon to help us contend with various situations and/or moments that are important to us.
It is this innate ability to be flexible that enables us to get through our days with at least some degree of success. For professional communicators, Little's Free Trait Theory is particularly applicable as it addresses the ability these men and women exhibit to help others address their outreach goals in an array of circumstances and often in the face of complex obstacles. None of us are one way. Nor should we be. This is vital for those who practice public relations. These men and women often serve as the front-line on behalf of those who want to connect with multiple publics. The flexibility of professional communicators - under the umbrella of the free trait theory - helps make this happen.
Friday, December 19, 2014
The Role of the Client
Have I said lately how challenging being a public relations practitioner can be at times? If not, then let me note now that it is. Communicating messages that resonate with targeted audiences is not easy,. Even when the message is solid and the audience has been properly researched, successfully connecting the two rarely succeeds as much as one might want, hope for, or expect. With so many factors or variables that can and do get in the way of a communique, it is a wonder that any outreach efforts succeed at all. Obviously, they do and this is no small testament to the hard work and creativity of those who communicate for a living.
One of their challenges is working with clients. Yes, the client hires the professional communicator to be creative. Nevertheless, as part of that, it is common for the public relations practitioner to train their client to put forth messages in a manner that is straight forward, understandable, convincing and believable. This is because it is often the client who is a key element in many communication campaigns. Given this reality, it is important for the client to have the proper attitude when they agree to accept the help of a professional communicator. By this, I mean being willing to put themselves in the hands of those who expertise it is to connect various publics.
Being creative is not necessarily that easy of a thing to be. Attaining and maintaining credibility is also a constant challenge. Such hurdles are not just the job of the public relations practitioner, however. They rest on the shoulders of the client as well. Generally, clients hire professional communicators because they recognize the value of effective outreach. It is vital that with that recognition comes a willingness to be part of the communication strategies that are ultimately approved and set in motion. Clients, often in the form of corporate and organizational leaders, are an essential element in public relations.
One of their challenges is working with clients. Yes, the client hires the professional communicator to be creative. Nevertheless, as part of that, it is common for the public relations practitioner to train their client to put forth messages in a manner that is straight forward, understandable, convincing and believable. This is because it is often the client who is a key element in many communication campaigns. Given this reality, it is important for the client to have the proper attitude when they agree to accept the help of a professional communicator. By this, I mean being willing to put themselves in the hands of those who expertise it is to connect various publics.
Being creative is not necessarily that easy of a thing to be. Attaining and maintaining credibility is also a constant challenge. Such hurdles are not just the job of the public relations practitioner, however. They rest on the shoulders of the client as well. Generally, clients hire professional communicators because they recognize the value of effective outreach. It is vital that with that recognition comes a willingness to be part of the communication strategies that are ultimately approved and set in motion. Clients, often in the form of corporate and organizational leaders, are an essential element in public relations.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Insincerity
How often do any of us say something we do not mean? How often do we transform our face into a mask of seriousness to suggest we have vanquished any doubt we might have about an issue or topic? How often do we inject calm into our voice to demonstrate what we are about to say is truth produced by much thought and reflection? For some, the answer to these questions may be "never." Other might respond by saying "Once in a while." And still others - hopefully only a few - might shrug and confess to doing it a lot. From my own perspective, one would be hard-pressed to find someone who has never communicated anything they do not mean or believe.
Insincerity, no matter the reason behind it or the frequency with which it is put forth, is never not a venture down a dangerous path. It represents a conscious choice to tell a falsehood and deceive. Author George Orwell called it "the great enemy of clear language....a gap between one's real and one's declared aims." In the world of professional communication, it is a stake to the heart of forging a meaningful connection between individuals or publics. Any tie built on knowing deception is one condemned to, at best, a short lifespan; one who's demise is guaranteed to include anger, hurt and bitterness.
Insincerity creates problems, causes pain, makes matters worse. Nevertheless, it seems to be a regular part of our existence. For examples, an easy target might be politicians or members of the media who seem to have no problem about stretching the truth to win an argument. But more to the point, how about the neighbor who says they will take care of your mail while you are out of the town for the week and doesn't; or the parent who promises their child a treat and then does not provide it? Such day-to-day occurrences represent sincere examples of insincerity. To communicate effectively, one must remove insincerity from their arsenal.
Insincerity, no matter the reason behind it or the frequency with which it is put forth, is never not a venture down a dangerous path. It represents a conscious choice to tell a falsehood and deceive. Author George Orwell called it "the great enemy of clear language....a gap between one's real and one's declared aims." In the world of professional communication, it is a stake to the heart of forging a meaningful connection between individuals or publics. Any tie built on knowing deception is one condemned to, at best, a short lifespan; one who's demise is guaranteed to include anger, hurt and bitterness.
Insincerity creates problems, causes pain, makes matters worse. Nevertheless, it seems to be a regular part of our existence. For examples, an easy target might be politicians or members of the media who seem to have no problem about stretching the truth to win an argument. But more to the point, how about the neighbor who says they will take care of your mail while you are out of the town for the week and doesn't; or the parent who promises their child a treat and then does not provide it? Such day-to-day occurrences represent sincere examples of insincerity. To communicate effectively, one must remove insincerity from their arsenal.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
"Sweet Smell of Success"
It is not always easy identifying what specific factor contributes to giving a certain profession a bad reputation. More often than not, it is usually the culmination of a number of factors that ultimately tip the scale against how the public perceives a particular line of work. One easy example in today's climate are politicians. Generally, those in elected positions are viewed as putting their own interests ahead of those of the people they represent, including doing and saying most anything to maintain their position of power and visibility. Is this unfair? Of course. Does such an image literally apply to everyone elected to public office? Thankfully, no way. Still, there remains a strong element of truth to these negative images that are fueled by the actions of many in those positions influence.
Another example of such a reality pertains to those who work as press agents. These men and women are also seen as professionals with few scruples and who are willing to take liberties with what is true to promote the notoriety of those they represent. A major nail in the reputation was driven in the form of a 1957 film classic called "Sweet Smell of Success." Co-authored by Clifford Odets and Ernest Lehman, this story revolves around the efforts of an unscrupulous press agent willing to betray most anyone in order to have his clients mentioned in the column of New York City's most powerful columnist. The agent is portrayed by Tony Curtis and the columnist by Burt Lancaster. Both give impressive portrayals of characters driven by ambition and self interest.
As depicted in the film, press agents could not be viewed any more negatively. For those with designs of one day representing clients who are rich and famous - and I meet some in communication classes I teach every semester - "Sweet Smell of Success" should be required viewing. The primary lesson , of course, is how a press agent should not behave. There is nothing wrong with representing one whose career success is based in large part to how much publicity they receive. The problem comes in how one strives to make that happen. Do they lie, deceive and manipulate others? Or do they perform their duties in an open and transparent fashion? The choice is clear. For communicators working as press agents, it needs to remain so.
Another example of such a reality pertains to those who work as press agents. These men and women are also seen as professionals with few scruples and who are willing to take liberties with what is true to promote the notoriety of those they represent. A major nail in the reputation was driven in the form of a 1957 film classic called "Sweet Smell of Success." Co-authored by Clifford Odets and Ernest Lehman, this story revolves around the efforts of an unscrupulous press agent willing to betray most anyone in order to have his clients mentioned in the column of New York City's most powerful columnist. The agent is portrayed by Tony Curtis and the columnist by Burt Lancaster. Both give impressive portrayals of characters driven by ambition and self interest.
As depicted in the film, press agents could not be viewed any more negatively. For those with designs of one day representing clients who are rich and famous - and I meet some in communication classes I teach every semester - "Sweet Smell of Success" should be required viewing. The primary lesson , of course, is how a press agent should not behave. There is nothing wrong with representing one whose career success is based in large part to how much publicity they receive. The problem comes in how one strives to make that happen. Do they lie, deceive and manipulate others? Or do they perform their duties in an open and transparent fashion? The choice is clear. For communicators working as press agents, it needs to remain so.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Prudence
A necessary and important staple in the everyday effort of professional communicators is wrapped up in the word "prudence." While the American College Dictionary refers to it as "careful management," the definition most applicable was handed down over 200 years ago by Edmund Burke. Burke described it as "the application of general experience to particular practical problems." Isn't this what public relations practitioners do? Situations involving communication between various entities or publics arise and it is the PR worker who is called upon to address them. Whether it is to clarify a misunderstanding, smooth-over a disagreement, or simply share new information, this professional is often the go-to person for their organization or client..
Gaining the necessary experience needed to handle these and other challenges is not that difficult, particularly if one is genuinely engaged in the inner workings of their organization. Participating in meetings with the leading decision makers of an entity, having one-on-one discussions with co-workers from all levels of the organization or company, and interacting with external elements pertinent to the organization are ways to accumulate relevant experience. These steps are not all that different than simply doing a cannonball into a swimming pool. For the public relations worker, the sooner they do this the better,
Often times, communication challenges can and do arise with little advance warning. They require an immediate response. People need to be told what is going on. Those involved in addressing the situation require a person to help coordinate their efforts. Who better to help ensure these steps occur than the chief communicator? Their experience is what helps the communication professional make the proper decisions and establish the necessary linkages needed to ensure an organization remains afloat and maintains a positive image. The key for the public relations worker is found in being prudent. For them, the greater their experience, then the deeper their ability to be careful managers.
Gaining the necessary experience needed to handle these and other challenges is not that difficult, particularly if one is genuinely engaged in the inner workings of their organization. Participating in meetings with the leading decision makers of an entity, having one-on-one discussions with co-workers from all levels of the organization or company, and interacting with external elements pertinent to the organization are ways to accumulate relevant experience. These steps are not all that different than simply doing a cannonball into a swimming pool. For the public relations worker, the sooner they do this the better,
Often times, communication challenges can and do arise with little advance warning. They require an immediate response. People need to be told what is going on. Those involved in addressing the situation require a person to help coordinate their efforts. Who better to help ensure these steps occur than the chief communicator? Their experience is what helps the communication professional make the proper decisions and establish the necessary linkages needed to ensure an organization remains afloat and maintains a positive image. The key for the public relations worker is found in being prudent. For them, the greater their experience, then the deeper their ability to be careful managers.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Shame on Elizabeth Lauten
Not in the least do I feel badly for Elizabeth Lauten. The communication director of a Tennessee congressman, Lauten resigned from her position as a result of negative feedback she received after criticizing the daughters of President and Mrs. Obama. Lauten took her pot shots at Sasha, 13, and Malia, 16, because she disapproved of their behavior at the light-hearted pardoning of a turkey event held by Presidents each year just before Thanksgiving. Lauten accused the two teenagers of not showing any class as well as not dressing as properly as she feels they should have. But that was not enough for Lauten. She also lobbed a broadside at Sasha and Malia' parents by claiming neither respects their positions or the nation.
If it is any one who demonstrated a lack of class or decorum it was Lauten. As a professional communicator, it is her job to represent her client - in this case, Republican Stephen Fincher. Additionally, as he is an elected official whose job it is to serve his constituents and the nation, Lauten also has a responsibility of doing what she can to bring people together. Instead, perhaps blinded by her own contempt for the Obamas and lack of appreciation for the potential opportunity her unique position provides her to do actual good, she chose the low road. Shame on her. Yes, Lauten apologized. But based on her own behavior, I question whether Lauten genuinely believes her comments were out of line.
It is communication workers like Lauten that give public relations a bad name. Those who work in the field as practitioners and scholars strive hard to give this important profession and social science dignity and respectability. At its best, those in public relations provide voice to those wishing to be heard, hear others, and develop a greater understanding of how to seek better understand as to how they can more effectively connect with others. In doing this, these professional show great respect for the art of communication and those who treat it seriously. Sadly, Lauten is not one of them. Hopefully, few if any will think she is.
If it is any one who demonstrated a lack of class or decorum it was Lauten. As a professional communicator, it is her job to represent her client - in this case, Republican Stephen Fincher. Additionally, as he is an elected official whose job it is to serve his constituents and the nation, Lauten also has a responsibility of doing what she can to bring people together. Instead, perhaps blinded by her own contempt for the Obamas and lack of appreciation for the potential opportunity her unique position provides her to do actual good, she chose the low road. Shame on her. Yes, Lauten apologized. But based on her own behavior, I question whether Lauten genuinely believes her comments were out of line.
It is communication workers like Lauten that give public relations a bad name. Those who work in the field as practitioners and scholars strive hard to give this important profession and social science dignity and respectability. At its best, those in public relations provide voice to those wishing to be heard, hear others, and develop a greater understanding of how to seek better understand as to how they can more effectively connect with others. In doing this, these professional show great respect for the art of communication and those who treat it seriously. Sadly, Lauten is not one of them. Hopefully, few if any will think she is.
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