Making Space for Communications Colleagues at Your Team's Table

Ever wonder why those folks from the communications team seem to be everywhere, and why they want to be in on all of your meetings?

Well, the truth is, we're not trying to crash the party or steal your spotlight; we have a vital role to play, and it's all about making your initiatives stand out in noisy, crowded and competitive fields.

First things first: your colleagues from the comms team are here to serve as your strategic thought partners. We're on duty to protect and enhance the integrity of mission and brand. It's literally our job to ensure your team's story is told the right way, at the right time, to the right audiences. We're not bugging you to be looped in because we want to take over or challenge your expertise. We have value to add that is immediately adjacent to the health of our brand and to the reach, impact and integrity of our mission.

So, why should you keep us in the loop and actively seek our counsel?

Communications pros have the knack for targeting and hooking audiences with the right timing, language and channels. We know how to make your activations and the partnerships your team is cultivating sound like the epic mission-forward victories that they are. We also know how to position your story not as a one-off victory, but rather, as the latest in a continuum of victories that measurably improve the lives of people in the communities our organization serves.

While you're busy breaking new ground and moving our mission forward, your communications team is skilled in crafting messages that sing in harmony with the brand's overall melody. We can help you tell the story of your work and avoid any off-key notes in your narrative. If there are gaps in your narrative, we will find them and patch them neatly so that audiences stay focused squarely on the necessity and the impact of your work.

Think of the MarComm team in your organization as guardians of reputation. When we're at the table working in partnership with your team, we are positioned to activate immediately to protect and promote your work should an unforeseen crises present. When we are looped in fully, we can usually manage and deflect reputational challenges proactively before they emerge publicly; if we're not looped in, it's going to cost the organization valuable time to bring us to speed so we can resolve reputational threats.

Ever heard the phrase "perception is reality"? Well, it's our job as your partners to create a reality where your initiatives actively shift perceptions and generate broad interest, excitement and engagement. By involving us - early and often - you ensure that the public sees your work in the best light and understands clearly what that work means in the context of our mission and our promise to our community of beneficiaries, supporters, partners and funders.

Keeping your message crystal clear across various platforms is no easy feat. Communications experts help maintain the consistency and clarity that your audience craves, making sure your story is easily digestible.

Again, and I cannot emphasize this enough: We're not in competition. We don't thrive on power grabs. Your communications colleagues aren't here to steal your limelight or co-opt credit for the ideas you generate or the outcomes of your hard work and expertise. We're your partners; together, we can amplify the impact of your initiatives, ensuring they get the recognition and support they deserve.

Now, let's get back to why we want to be in on your meetings. It's not about eavesdropping or corrupting your vision; it's about ensuring that your activations and partnerships are in sync with the grand story of the brand. Your communications colleagues are like the choreographers who make sure your dance moves match the rhythm of the music that's playing behind our brand at all times. For us, it's all about:

• Each move in your dance should be an expression of your brand's identity and values. We can help you make sure that every step aligns with brand, mission, vision and values.
• Consistency in storytelling builds trust and familiarity among your audience. Your brand becomes a familiar partner that people trust and support.
• Out-of-sync moves can lead to stumbles. When your activations and partnerships align with your brand narrative, you avoid those awkward moments and maintain a smooth, well-coordinated performance.
• Successful activations and partnerships can become iconic moments in your brand's history. When these moments are in harmony with your brand narrative, they contribute to a legacy that stands the test of time.
• A brand narrative includes themes and values that we know resonate with our audience and service communities. Integrating activations and partnerships within this narrative reinforces those positive associations.

So, there you have it.

Your communications team isn't here to cramp your style; we're here to make sure your initiatives stand out, grab the right kind of attention, and generate more (and deeper) commitments from cherished supporters.

Remember, the next time you have a request from your comms team for updates or meeting invitations, our motivations are genuine. Tight and trusting collaborations are intended to lead to standing ovations, not a competition for the spotlight.