Overcoming stakeholder apathy
In any organisation, understanding who your stakeholders are is crucial for effective communication. Stakeholders are individuals or groups with an interest or influence in the outcome of a project, including employees, customers, investors, and partners. Their input and support can significantly shape the direction and success of initiatives, making their engagement essential. However, communicators often […]
Key lessons from stakeholder management
Managing stakeholders effectively is one of the most critical challenges in project management. Stakeholders, whether internal or external, play a pivotal role in the success of any initiative. Their influence can determine the direction, tone, and overall impact of a campaign. However, managing these diverse groups presents unique challenges that can be difficult to navigate […]
Start with your outcomes
Project management is about delivering outcomes in a structured process and manner. At its core, it involves planning, organising, and managing resources to bring about successful project completion. A common pitfall in project management is the tendency to overthink and place excessive focus on the objectives. While objectives are important as they outline specific, measurable […]
How to set-up a project plan and timeline
For communicators, effective project management is paramount. With ever-changing market trends and the constant need to engage audiences, a well-structured project plan becomes indispensable. It serves as a blueprint that guides every step of the project, ensuring that all efforts are aligned towards a common goal. A well-structured project plan not only streamlines efforts but […]
Fundamentals of project management for communicators
Project management is a crucial skill in any profession, but it takes on unique dimensions in the field of communications. Unlike other domains, communicators must navigate the complexities of message delivery, audience engagement, and stakeholder alignment. Effective project management in communications involves not just the logistical aspects of planning and executing tasks but also the […]
Project Management is a core skill set for communicators
Project management is as a critical skill for communicators and marketing professionals. This evolution reflects the increasing complexity and demands of communication strategies, where the landscape continually shifts, and a traditional mindset of not providing room for failure continues to be entrenched. Unlike traditional project management, which primarily focuses on adhering to timelines, budgets, and […]
Planning an issues management calendar
Issues can emerge unexpectedly, impacting reputation, customer sales and relations, as well as brand perception. As communicators, our role extends beyond reacting; it involves proactive anticipation and strategic preparation. Being strategic partners to the business, communicators stand at the intersection of strategy and execution, where the action takes place. Anticipating potential issues allows us to […]
How to develop and practice scenario planning within your organisation for issues management
Issues management planning and preparation is not a reactive task—it’s a proactive necessity. As communicators, we must anticipate potential challenges and prepare our organisations to navigate them effectively. The preparation begins with observation. We must scan the horizon for potential threats, whether they stem from internal processes, external factors, or unforeseen events. However, working in […]
Issues are like whack-a-mole, here’s your game kit.
Issues management is akin to a relentless game of whack-a-mole. Each emerging issue, be it a customer complaint gone viral or a misinterpreted executive statement, represents a potential threat that can impact a brand’s reputation, the organisation’s positioning, and erode the hard-earned trust of customers. The stakes in this game are exceedingly high; each mole […]
How to do a vulnerability assessment for issues management
Issues management is a critical aspect of any brand or organisation’s operations. It is the process of identifying, analysing, and responding to issues that have the potential to impact an entity’s reputation, financial stability, or ability to operate effectively. The scope of issues management is broad and can encompass a wide range of potential problems. […]