Final Thoughts

Strategic communications aren’t just about advertising, marketing, or public relations—strategic communication strategies can also be used internally when communicating with your employees and coworkers. 

My current job deals with both—we have both internal and external audiences that we work with on a daily basis. While external gets the most attention, internal is just as important. The article by Nicole Fallon from the US Chamber of Commerce entitled “6 Tips for Adapting Your Leadership Style in the Post-COVID World” has several ideas that are targeted to leading in the new post-COVID workplace, but I was able to glean some leadership tips from this even though our workplace is back in traditional mode (Fallon, 2020). 

Sharpen your emotional intelligence

Business leaders are seeing the benefits of empathy and flexibility in this new work environment, but those qualities are always beneficial (Fallon, 2020). Every employee is a human being, and even though that human being is being paid to do the job, stuff happens between the hours of 8 and 5. Leaders need to allow their employees flexibility so that they feel that they have a good work/life balance, while still producing quality work. 

Focus on enabling communication and trust

Open lines of communication are important even when you are all in offices right next to each other. It’s just as easy to not communicate even when they are conveniently located nearby. Sending emails is good to have a permanent record of instructions or information, but in-person communication helps build trust and comfort with your department. Taking time to communicate even one-on-one, getting to know your fellow human being, is also important. 

Also, make time for some talk that isn’t necessarily work-related—it helps build relationships. 

Get people involved in company decisions

I definitely want my team to feel like they have a voice in our department’s decisions. I came from a very collaborative environment in most aspects and will continue that here as well. I am a very team-oriented worker and value my team’s opinions and feedback. Also, my team has been here longer than I have and I rely on their expertise regularly. 

Make sure the team understands the 'why'

As part of my collaborative nature, I would never want to adopt a “because I said so” attitude for projects or department policies. There are several things that come from above our department that will have to happen regardless, but working together so that everyone is on the same page makes for a smoother workplace. 

Listen and empathize

My goal is to be very approachable and compassionate when interacting with employees, especially if they have a problem or concern. I always keep my door open—literally, and employees are able to come in, call, text or email me with anything they need to communicate. 

Keep an eye on the future

Our department went remote during COVID but has been back in the office for some time now, but if COVID has shown us anything, it’s that you have to be able to adapt to anything. But even keeping an eye on future opportunities that will make your workplace more efficient and effective will only benefit your staff, especially in today's 24/7 public relations world we live in now. 

Fallon, N. (2020, Oct. 6) 6 Tips for Adapting Your Leadership Style in the Post-COVID World. https://www.uschamber.com/co/grow/thrive/rethinking-leadership-post-pandemic