Like rock and the symphony: The multi-dimensional, multi-layered beauty of good communication
Julie Sielaff Julie Sielaff

Like rock and the symphony: The multi-dimensional, multi-layered beauty of good communication

I went to a show recently. The artist, Amos Lee, is, according to Wikipedia, “an American singer-songwriter whose musical style encompasses folk, rock, and soul.” Accompanying the headlining performer was…the Chicago Philharmonic. I like Amos Lee. I like the symphony. I went to the show so obviously I expected to like the combination. And it did not disappoint. In short, by combining to seemingly disparate entities (rock and symphony), the multi-dimensional, multi-layered results were extraordinary.

And in the moment—thought no one ever until then—I thought, “This is how good communication works.”

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Creating dialogue: Omni-channel is the only channel
Julie Sielaff Julie Sielaff

Creating dialogue: Omni-channel is the only channel

Let me start with the shortest version of my favorite internal communications soapbox speech: It is shocking to realize how many communication strategies are still nearly wholly reliant on email in 2022, as email simply enables talking at rather than talking with. It doesn’t matter if you’re a large multi-national company or small nimble company with a few dozen employees. The technology exists—so many kinds of technology. The audience has spoken: Email is overused, overwhelming and old-fashioned. So why do so many communication strategies still only look as far as the Sent folder?

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In today’s digitally-driven, ever-changing world, it takes more than a style guide to build a successful communication strategy
Julie Sielaff Julie Sielaff

In today’s digitally-driven, ever-changing world, it takes more than a style guide to build a successful communication strategy

Although it seems obvious, I’m going to say it anyway: Executives are the foundation on which their company’s culture is built. Executives identify the vision as well as the goals and organizational structure that will advance the company. They’re accountable for company achievements and failures (or opportunities, as we like to say in corporate culture). Their approach sets the tone for every employee working toward the company’s success. It’s simple. Or is it?

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