As the year comes to a close for #CommsLede, I’m feeling grateful and reflective. Beyond the smart strategic plans, insightful employee listening tours, team workshops and breakthrough coaching sessions, I’m most proud of our agility, creativity, trust and partnerships in 2023. Here are my top takeaways … including a gem from one of my all-time favorite leaders:
- People first. This year was a doozy, with lots of change, COVID lurking in the shadows, folks quiet quitting, and big client moves. It was easy to focus on the “pivot du jour,” and staying agile, while maintaining a people-first mindset helped keep CommsLede grounded, focused, and values-led.
- Get networking. When work gets busy, networking is often the first thing to fall off the plate … especially for introverts. But connections can inspire us, uncover new perspectives, deepen our business acumen, help us cultivate gratitude, and open unexpected doors. I’ve met (and reconnected with) some incredibly talented and wise folks this year, and am committed to making this a regular practice in 2024. (Interested? Reach out!)
- Measurement. When budgets or resources are on the chopping block, one of the first lines of defense is metrics. (If you can’t show your team’s ROI, you’re a lame duck.) While I’ve always been a vocal advocate of measurement, in 2024, I’m committed to being annoyingly persistent about integrating measurement into clients’ strategic plans. Regularly interpreting and sharing comms insights and business results helps spotlight business value.
- Stay curious. I spent 2023 intentionally leaning into curiosity. Like my favorite TV character, Coach Ted Lasso, I worked hard to stay “curious, not judgmental.” I listened more, asked more questions, stayed open to possibilities, and actively solicited different perspectives before making recommendations or taking action. My favorite line of questioning this year came from Lasso himself: “What am I missing? What do I need to learn here?” Sincere curiosity, paired with humility and a learning mindset, has been a personal and professional mission, and I’m doubling down on this leadership approach in the New Year.
I’m curious to hear what your biggest 2023 takeaways are.
If you’re inclined, share your highlights below…
Wishing you all a healthy and happy New Year, and a great start to 2024!
With more than two decades of communications experience spanning agencies, Fortune-100 organizations, non-profits and academia, Kristi Hinck Mills brings her passion for communications to CommsLede Consulting, where she delivers strategic communication solutions and executive coaching for her clients. Visit the CommsLede blog for more tips.
