When the Boss Isn't a Communication Pro: Strategies for Success
As we discussed in last week’s post, there’s a difference between communication practioners and communication professionals. To recap:
Communication Practitioners—Those who deliver communication for their organizations. May not have formal training or experience in communication skills or strategy.
Communication Professionals—Those with training and experience in communication skills or strategy to support an organization to deliver results.
It’s not uncommon for communication professionals to end up reporting to communication practitioners. Unlike many specialized fields like IT or accounting, the only prerequisite someone may need to work in communication is being in the right place at the right time when someone else says, “Well, we need someone to do communication here and that’s you.”
If you find yourself in a situation where you, as a communication professional, have a boss who’s a communication practitioner , it can present both challenges and opportunities. Here's what you might expect:
Knowledge and Expertise Gap—As a communication professional, you likely have a deeper understanding of communication principles, strategies, and best practices. Your boss may lack the same level of expertise, which can create a knowledge gap. It will be essential for you to bridge this gap by sharing your knowledge, insight, and recommendations with your boss.
Advancing Communication Strategy—As a communication professional, you can leverage your expertise to help your boss develop effective communication strategies. Your insight and recommendations can contribute to the organization's overall communication goals and help your boss deliver better results. This positions you as a valuable resource within the organization.
Collaborative Approach—It’s important to establish a collaborative working relationship with your boss. While they may not have formal training or experience, they still bring their unique perspectives and insights to the table. By combining your skills and their understanding of the organization, you can work together to develop comprehensive and impactful communication plans.
Mentoring and Guidance—You can take the opportunity to act as a mentor to your boss, sharing your knowledge and expertise in communication. Offer guidance and support in areas such as strategic planning, message development, media relations, and crisis communication. This can contribute to your boss's professional growth and the overall effectiveness of communication efforts.
Effective Communication—It's essential to communicate effectively with your boss, ensuring that your recommendations and insights are understood and valued. Adapt your communication style to align with their preferences and prioritize clear and concise communication. Tailor your messages to highlight the impact on organizational goals and demonstrate the value of your expertise.
Building Relationships—As a communication professional, you can also play a role in building relationships with stakeholders, media, and other external parties. Leverage your network and connections to benefit the organization and help your boss establish strong relationships within the industry.
Remember, every working relationship is unique, and the dynamics between you and your boss may vary. By recognizing your respective strengths and finding ways to collaborate effectively, you can maximize your impact as a communication professional and support your boss in delivering successful communication outcomes for the organization.
