Whether you’re looking to move up or out, keep these six tips in mind…
Companies have been in “crisis mode” for more than two years…and comms pros are wiped. Whether you’ve supported leaders with global pandemic policies and messaging, urgently advised your company on social justice engagement efforts, or communicated critical information to crisis-impacted associates, being constantly “on-call” for years has taken its toll.
Many communicators I’ve spoken with are exhausted and considering job changes, while others are simply hoping to be promoted for their hard—and excellent—work. At the same time, I’m hearing many comms managers, directors and VPs say they’re feeling tired, frustrated and unsure about their next move.
If you’re feeling “stuck” or in the throes of burnout, I deeply empathize. I’ve been there, and I see you. But my empathy won’t help you get ahead. So instead, I’ll offer up a few tough-love tips I’ve recently shared with my coaching clients:
- Embrace crisis. Crisis is the “new normal” in comms. If you’re a communicator and view crisis communications as “someone else’s role,” or “a moment in time” to slog through, forget about advancement. Communication pros who are able to strategically and thoughtfully multi-task while leading others confidently in high-pressure, agile environments have never been more valued. The days of crisis comms as a separate role or function are over. Skill up…or move aside.
- Think strategically. We’ve all been buried in tactical communications lately–from well-being newsletters and policy rollouts to virtual town hall meetings and brand statements. Churning and burning sometimes results in recognition, but the folks who are connecting the bigger dots and regularly sharing their wins are the ones who are tapped for promotions and sought after by recruiters. If you’re swamped in Tacticland and you’re waiting for a promotion, forget about it. Work overload merits a priority conversation with your manager, not a promotion. Instead, lead a project and talk enthusiastically about it. Volunteer for a stretch assignment in a business area that would benefit from your expertise. Find opportunities to partner with folks that inspire you. Then, show leadership how your work directly helped the company sell more product, reach more customers or drive deeper employee loyalty.
- Show up as a pro. While virtual work has its benefits, it also directly impacts how we “show up” professionally. Crisis is no excuse to take an executive presence nosedive, especially since research suggests it could account for as much as 26% of what it takes to advance in an organization. Join meetings on time, show up polished and put together, stay focused and organized, listen actively, carefully read the room, and offer clear, concise recommendations and recaps when decision making is at a premium. If you wouldn’t do it/say it/share it/wear it during an in-person meeting, don’t do it on Zoom or Teams. Bedhead will hold you back…even when you’re the smartest person in the (virtual) room.
- Know where you want to go. While your manager, HR partner, or recruiter can remove roadblocks and facilitate introductions, it’s not their job to create your career path. What conversations light you up at work? What parts of your business are you curious about? Where do your strengths meet a company need? What other organizations interest you? Explore those paths. Meet people. Ask them about the work they do. Then, tell your manager or recruiter where you want to go and ask for their help in building a concrete plan to get there.
- Exposure, exposure, exposure. When we’re heads-down in our little communication hidey-holes, it’s hard to get noticed by anyone other than our direct managers or immediate teams. Find fast, clear ways to showcase your results with your business partners and leaders. One-pagers and visual dashboards are easy documents to forward. Directly connect your work to the company goals in a visual with a brief header, and your manager has an easy snapshot to send along to the folks who make promotion decisions. (Plus, you’ll have solid work examples to share during the interview process!)
- Stop whining. This is where the real tough love comes in. I haven’t met a single comms pro who isn’t exhausted and on the cusp of burnout these days…but so are health care providers, non-profit teams, airline employees, teachers, and Jack who works in supply chain. Take charge of managing your workload, setting boundaries, and doing the things that keep you in a positive headspace. Find a therapist if you need one. Keep up with activities and people that bring you joy. Remember, transparency and candor sound different than whining and complaining, and only you can control your mindset.
Times are challenging for professional communicators, and the job market is wide open, so there’s no need to stay in a toxic environment, or with an organization that doesn’t value or recognize your talent. At the same time, we’re all experiencing a new normal and need to proactively manage our lives and careers. Keeping these tips in mind when you’re looking to move–inside or outside a company–will help.
With more than two decades of communications experience spanning agencies, Fortune-100 organizations, non-profits and academia, Kristi Hinck Mills today brings her passion for employee communications to CommsLede Consulting, where she delivers strategic solutions and executive coaching for her clients. Visit the CommsLede blog for more tips.
