My name is Bond. CEO Bond.

All who work in communications know very well what a specific bond exists between Communications and the CEOs. It is a very unique, complex, and challenging one, that requires a lot of mutual understanding. If done right, it can result in a fruitful partnership, from which the whole company can profit. But, here are some scenarios when things don't work out and result in, least to say, bad relations and decisions that cascade their way through all pores of the company, finding their ways fast and efficient like water through rocks.

Roles getting mixed up

Communications do not fill the role of a CEO, or in that matter, any other position that communicates to other team members (which are - all). Our role as communicators is to navigate the communication, provide communication tools and architecture, give advice on dos and don'ts, help out in strategic communication decisions and provide the best examples of how to communicate delicate or even crisis situations.

What many CEOs have in mind when hiring communications is that their work here is done. This is far from the truth, their work actually just begins here. Being in the position of a CEO should include A LOT of internal and external communications, on their own behalf, as one of the main spokesman/woman in the company. One of the best examples I've found on LinkedIn is the CEO of Oyster, Tony Jamous who continuously communicates changes, novelties, and perks of working at his company. He's engaged with the people in this community, responding to reactions and finds this to be one of his main tasks.

Communications are just extended arms and support.

Transparency first, please.

In a time when changes are constant, good or bad, they should be timely communicated to all related stakeholders as one of the main postulates of communications. And some CEOs find this very challenging, as any other position also would. Layoffs, insecurities, budget cuts, sudden changes in the strategic directions, loss of clients. All of these require CEOs to be very transparent, to all employees, but in the first step toward Communications. If this step fails, consequences may be very damaging to the reputation, as we witnessed a whole deal lately, but mostly it is the very main factor in the relation Communication - CEO.

If we are given false information or bad news packed as something good, we can not provide good communication support. And no communicator or employee would like that.

CEOs set the example

Let's make it clear - being a CEO is a tough position. Having an overview of all business sides, and 360 views at all times can be quite challenging. And sometimes, they forget THEY define the communication standards inside the company. If this fails, Communications have their "hands tied" in making a change. Setting an example of how we communicate, officially and unofficially, comes from the top, no matter the efforts of the Communication team.

It's a tough one, I know. But we can make the best of it, no matter the position. Kudos to all the CEOs giving their best!