Journal
Notes on leading and communicating.
Two posts a month — one on coaching and leadership, one on communications.
Measuring internal communication beyond open rates
Open rates tell you who clicked. They don’t tell you whether anyone understood, believed, or acted.
Media interviews: bridging without dodging
Audiences can spot an evasive answer instantly. Here’s how to stay on message and still answer the question.
CommunicationsHow to communicate during a merger when you don’t know the answers yet
Uncertainty isn’t the enemy of trust. Pretending you have certainty is.
CommunicationsThought leadership needs a thought
A posting schedule isn’t a point of view. Start with what you believe that others in your field don’t.
CommunicationsTown halls that don’t feel staged
People can tell when the questions were screened. Real engagement requires real risk.
CommunicationsManagers are your most important channel
Employees trust their direct manager more than any email, intranet, or town hall. Equip them accordingly.
CommunicationsJargon is a confidence problem
We reach for buzzwords when we’re not sure of our point — or not sure we’re allowed to make it.
CommunicationsCrisis readiness: the holding statement you should write today
In a crisis, the first hour is spent deciding who’s allowed to say anything. Do that work now.
CommunicationsYour strategy deck isn’t a story. Here’s how to make it one.
Strategy lives or dies in translation. A story gives people a reason to remember it — and to act on it.
CommunicationsThe year-end letter nobody reads — and how to write one they will
Year-end messages tend to become lists of accomplishments. The best ones are about people.
CommunicationsAnnouncing a reorganization without losing your best people
Your strongest performers have the most options. A reorg announcement is the moment they decide whether to use them.
CommunicationsThe first sentence is the whole message
Most people read the opening line and decide whether to keep going. Write it like it’s the only one they’ll see.
Archive
2025
- The year-end letter nobody reads — and how to write one they willComms
- Announcing a reorganization without losing your best peopleComms
- The first sentence is the whole messageComms
2026
- Measuring internal communication beyond open ratesComms
- Media interviews: bridging without dodgingComms
- How to communicate during a merger when you don’t know the answers yetComms
- Thought leadership needs a thoughtComms
- Town halls that don’t feel stagedComms
- Managers are your most important channelComms
- Jargon is a confidence problemComms
- Crisis readiness: the holding statement you should write todayComms
- Your strategy deck isn’t a story. Here’s how to make it one.Comms