How Trusted Public Leaders Navigate Complexity with Clarity
Strategic plans aren’t just for guidance. They’re for gutsy, unified communication when it counts
The most trusted public leaders aren’t just good at policy, they’re great at communication.
Over the past two months, I’ve shared a framework called the 5 Elements of High Performance Communications. I created it to help public agencies build trust and communicate with clarity, especially when the message is tough.
This summer, I’m sharing it in a new way.
Each element will come with three quick hits:
A microblog (like this one)
A quote graphic
A short video
Each piece is practical, focused, and designed to help you communicate with clarity, credibility, and purpose, whether you’re in the weeds or in front of a crowd.
We’re starting with Element 1: Strategic Priorities.
And yes, this series is also a warm-up. I’m planning to launch workshops around this framework soon. If that sounds useful to your team or agency, stay tuned.
Strategic plans aren’t just for guidance. They’re for gutsy, unified communication when it counts.
A good strategic plan does more than guide decisions. It gives staff and elected officials the language and confidence to explain why those decisions matter.
One city manager I admire put it this way:
“The most non-obvious benefit of strategic planning is helping elected officials learn to communicate on tough issues—with others watching. Council is a team sport, and it’s hard to have honest, forward-looking conversations in public settings.”
That’s what strategy does.
It gives your team space to align.
It gives your leaders a shared vocabulary.
And it gives your communications staff the clarity and cover to speak with purpose, especially when the message is hard.
Mission gives you permission.
And in today’s environment, that kind of permission is power. Here’s the full post on Element 1. 👇
If you’re reading this Wednesday morning, then we hope to see you at 1 p.m. Central for GGF Office Hours. It’s not too late the sign up for a conversation on Stealing Ideas from Other Cities. Register here.
Onward and Upward.