I hope everyone has had a great summer by making new memories while cherishing existing ones.  As we prepare for the fall, let’s start looking inside – not inside PRSA Richmond and our upcoming programs and activities – but let’s shift the focus to you and your inward energy, and how this force allows you to accomplish your goals.

I want to challenge you as PR  & Communications professionals to think more about the “HOW” in what you do, not just the “WHAT.”  How many times do you stop to think about refining the “HOW” piece in your job? How you should deliver or share a message or an idea based on your audiences’ style and hot buttons - versus the “WHAT,” which typically includes your messages, recommendations, counsel and expertise? The way you interact with your peers is often MORE important than your talents and skills.

The aforementioned is something I’ve been personally and professionally interested in developing.  I’ve also been thinking about what fuels our creativity and leadership at work: Is it our atmosphere? Or is it others in our surrounding environment?  Personal goals and passions we set? Values?

In my mind it’s all the above factors, which are also integral components in “Diversity” as it relates to PR & Communications. Sharing our unique perspectives regarding our profession is very important to addressing an issue or challenge, ahead of us.  Our recommendations, strategies, and action plans are a direct result of not only our expertise, but also our diverse personal and professional backgrounds. This is the “WHAT” of what we do by adding value through contributions to our respective organizations.

“HOW” we deliver and share the “WHAT” (our messages and ideas) to inspire and inform those around us, especially in high risk situations where fear is high and trust is low, is extremely pivotal. To learn more about best practices in communications, and in crisis situations specifically, register for our September luncheon featuring Senior Communications Manager from Southwest Airlines. Meanwhile, I hope this entry will empower you to keep your leadership top of mind as it relates to interacting with internal and external audiences.

Denise M. Baddour
President
PRSA Richmond