col’s blog

I’ve often discussed with fellow Marcom professionals how odd and cool it is that we’re the ones who actually create the strategies at our organizations. Those who do the heavy lifting on the strategy templates, the Board presentations, the communications plans know that it’s their IDEAS that are the most valuable part of what they’re contributing. Not the document, or PowerPoint slides, the binders or any other supporting form of media. Marcom people create the framework, and the framework leads to the story, and the story leads to the work − everyone’s work. In the ideal world, the Marcom folks work closely with the leaders they are supporting. When they’re too far removed, no one benefits. The best experiences I’ve had were when I was working directly with those I was supporting. I learned how they spoke, what they envisioned, what they valued, liked and disliked. When they are good, smart people, it’s a plum job. You get to learn so much, see so much, grow so much. It’s like being a CEO yourself, but on a much more livable strain.

Inspired by Seth: “Which comes first (why stories matter)“