Forum highlights power of sharing stories authentically

I had a blast on Thursday chairing the Melcrum Strategic Communication Management Summit in Sydney.  

Across two days of presentations and activities, there were some common themes that stood out for me as representative of the things that are helping communicators navigate the ‘new landscape’ (post/mid GFC, social media, changing industries, post-spin). They are not new themes, but regardless of what changes occur in the corporate or public sector landscape, these themes hold true.

1. It’s about stories. For most communicators reading this, I am preaching to the choir. Stories are how we make sense of the world. We can transmit information in a lot of different ways, but the context, the character, and the connections are brought to life through story.

2. Authenticity is the secret ingredient. One compelling theme was the genuine change, engagement and commitment that comes with authentic communication. There were great examples: the CEO of an organisation in crisis, speaking openly to employees in very plain terms about not only what was happening, but how it was affecting the workforce, customers, and him (in that order); the power of simply saying ‘sorry’ (and meaning it); the companies tapping into those parts of their workforce who are already communicating openly and authentically in the social media sphere. There was great authenticity too from those communication professionals and allied disciplines including change and leadership who generously shared all aspects of their stories – the good, the bad and the ugly.  

3. Involve/Get involved. It’s not up to communicators to do it alone. We have to partner with the right collaborators – inside and outside organisations. Although Social networking and web 2.0 tools can help us connect, share information, get feedback, value and rate, it’s not about the technology. It is about the mindset to reach out and involve. The types of scarcity thinking that drives silo mentality in organisations will not support the new social economy. We need to enable and entrust people to participate in the organisational dialogue.

I can’t do justice to the stories that people shared in a few short blog paragraphs. But I can say ‘thank you’ to the communicators who demonstrated these ideas so evocatively.

And a big thanks to Melcrum for asking me to be a part.

See you at the Melcrum Summit

The Melcrum Strategic Communication Management Summit is approaching on 15 and 16 September. With original chair Todd Montgomery called overseas, I am really excited to have been invited by Melcrum to chair day two of the Summit. The theme this year is “refocusing communication for a new business landscape”, and the lineup of guests on day two promises a breadth of experience in organisations facing different types of change. Iconic companies including Qantas, Integral Energy, Raytheon and AMP will present.

Are spin and authenticity mutually exclusive?

Find out from Paul Ritchie at IABC’s October 12 lunch event.

“Spin” is one of those polarising terms in communications. Still something of a dirty word, particularly outside public relations and topically so in the wash-up of the current Australian election, it is not always seen as the best way of describing what communication management sets out to deliver.

As someone who has fiercely advocated against “spin” within organisational and employee communication, I have to confess to not being crazy about the title of Paul Ritchie’s new book, “Stay on message: the spin doctor’s guide to effective and authentic communication”.

Rather than judging a book by by it’s cover, and recognising his extensive experience in small business, government and sports administration, I am looking forward to the timely chance to hear Paul talk about his ideas at the IABC October 12 gathering.

Paul has written a practical work that has some great ideas about authentic messages in the new media environment.

See you there.

More info at www.iabcnsw.com

Gold Quills, Networking and a little bit of magic



IABC NSW have announced three new events. Click on the headlines for details and bookings or visit iabcnsw.com for all events.

Unleashing creativity – lunch with Annalie Killian, AMP’s Catalyst for Magic
26 August
“In 2005 Annalie created the bi-annual AMPLIFY Innovation & Thought Leadership Festival, an event that draws edge-thinkers and change agents from all over the world to Sydney. AMPLIFY provides an immersive learning experience for all of AMP’s 3500 leaders and employees, customers and partners, and a growing public audience.”

Speakeasy – networking for communication professionals
16 September
A chance to meet other communicators, share experience and find out more about IABC.

Impact’s Tam Sandeman shares their Ford Gold Quill win and Toronto Conference highlights
24 September
“2010 Gold Quill winner Tam Sandeman will be guest speaker at a NSW Chapter lunch on 24 September. Tam will take us through her winning entry Driving a Great Result for Ford Australia. In addition she will share some of the major trends shared by business communicators at the IABC 2010 world conference in Toronto.”


IABC NSW is the local chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators, a global professional development organisation and network of over 15000 practitioners.