By nature, I am a pretty risk-averse person. I am methodical and planned, so I spend a lot of time thinking and researching before committing to anything from buying new sheets to a big work project. Recently, I have been reflecting that some of the biggest regrets in life have been when I have been too scared to try. Like that time, I didn’t go sky diving at Lake Bled in Slovenia because it felt too risky. Biggest regret of my travelling life. But that’s another story. It’s not just a personal trait. Having worked in or with government for…
Learning to take risks
May 15, 2022
Communication lessons from Zelensky
Last week, Ukraine’s President Zelensky gave the world a lesson in masterful communications. As he navigates the unimaginable destruction of his country and demonstrates strength as a leader, he has also shown how to engage your audience. While the horrors…
A plan for the sake of a plan
When you are stuck in the business of day to day, it’s easy to get lazy with your communication planning. Just list one thing for every channel, every audience you can think of, and the standard list of risks –…
We want to do it all
Strategy, advice, content development, creative, campaigns, training, relationship building. We want to do it all. Communications professionals are often high achieving, high energy, perfectionists. We have to be, it’s part of the role. It means that we want to deliver…
Being part of my community
Last week, I officially became President of the Canberra Chapter of the International Association of Business Communicators. It wasn’t a position I sought out. I wasn’t sure I was the right person or had enough time while trying to run…
When you don’t start the year fresh
Here we are, at the end of January. We are all heading back to work after our “break”, but not everyone feels ready for 2022. Not everyone has that bounce in their step. Maybe you do, but I, for one,…
Well… 2021.
This time every year, I write an article reflecting on the year that was. This time last year, I wrote: So, what does 2021 hold for Elm Communications? Honestly, who knows anymore! I mean it can’t be any weirder than…
Managing the challenges of staff working from home
A few weeks ago, I shared the results of a survey I ran across my network, understanding current perceptions into working from home, the issues and the opportunities and what you need to be successful. If you missed it, you…
Chairs, screens and Teams… oh my
When we moved to working from home last year, it was the first time for many government departments and many people. There was a worldwide scramble for desks, chairs and computer equipment. Do you remember 2020 – you couldn’t find…
Working from home: the future of work
Over the past two years, as we moved in and out of lockdowns, many people have gotten used to working from home. COVID-19 was a game-changer for how we work and where we work. On a mass scale, we were…
Career crossroads
The great resignation is coming. Or so they say. After you survive bushfires, hail storms, economic downturns and a pandemic, many people are starting to wonder if this job is how they want to spend their lives. It’s a phenomenon…