There is a prevailing mood that does not define a time, but does influence, communication. The “Roaring 20’s”, the “Depression Era”, the “Me Generation”, are times that have a sensibility. My sense is that for effective employee communication, we need to soak in the the broader messages that culture, society, government and commerce are gravitating to. I think that in our time, this is roughly, the “Obama Effect”.
Simply put, rational is better than emotional; inspirational is better than threatening, transparent is better than “we-know-better-than-you-do.” Most important – simple authenticity is the defining context for group communication in our day.
The economic conditions today might suggest “austerity”, but the President, and others with well developed antenna for the public mood, know better. Austerity is born of fear, of despair, and of loss. That is not our situation. We know that we are still a great society and a wealthy society. Austerity is not authentic. “Simple” means not extravagant; means reasonable, means sustainable and efficient. Simple authenticity might just say it all.
One example – the President and the First Lady have been noted for their “date nights”. (Put aside the Air Force One issue – that is unique to their station.) Date night, tie-less dinner, is simple and authentic. Austerity would have them “cooking mac and cheese in the residence”, or calling in for pizza. It would provide the same media attention, but might also feel just a bit too contrived. Relative to a NYC restaurant, pizza might seem simple, but recall, this is a couple that if they want to, can orchestra a state dinner for just about anybody on the planet that they want.
For other examples, look at the Eygpt speech, look at the D-Day Speech and look at how health care reform are all beign communicated by the President.
There is a market for employee attention. You are competing with other professional communicators to take up the mind share of your organization. Getting the mood right helps you compete better.
5 Comments, Comment or Ping
Austerity is not authentic. That is a beautiful phrase — so true. And the idea of simple authenticity…wow. Excellent way to describe what’s expected and to, as you say, capture the mood.
June 16th, 2009
You had me at “simple authenticity.” I wish I could add something by commenting… but, you’ve got it. This is awesome.
June 16th, 2009
Excellent point about the sense of humility involved in the way the Obama’s present themselves to the public. Rush Limbaugh said today that the President’s ego “knows no boundaries’. I was thinking “pot, kettle, black”!
June 16th, 2009
Michael – thanks for the comments. You are dead right. Authenticity requires courage. Sometimes the courage to say nothing.
Sarah – thanks for the thought and the visit.
Frank – as always I appreciate the support.
June 17th, 2009
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