Stop Treating Communication Like a Finishing Touch
This quote graphic speaks to a fundamental truth from Element 2: Organizational Leadership of my High Performance Communications series. If your organization treats communication like icing—something you add once the “real” work is done—don’t be surprised when the message doesn’t hold up under pressure.
Communication isn’t decoration. It’s foundation.
That means comms leaders need more than assignments: They need access, trust, and a seat at the decision-making table. Because high-trust teams are the ones most likely to earn public trust.
Shout-out to good friend and local gov comms legend Michelle Bono for the quote.
🔗 Read the full post on Element 2: Organizational Leadership 👇
Communication Isn’t a Department. It’s a Discipline.
Welcome to Part 2 of the 5 Elements of High Performance Communications series. Last week, we started with Strategic Priorities, the idea that great communication begins with alignment. But alignment doesn’t happen by accident. It requires leadership that understands communication is not the icing on the cake. It’s the cake.
Coming up in the next three Friday deep dives:
📍 July 11: How Bloomington, MN built a winning education program for a sales tax election through a community engagement process that went far beyond social media.
📍 July 18: A new High Five interview with a Town Manager in North Carolina who followed his heart to an unexpected career in public service.
📍 July 25: Part 1 of a new series on Crisis Communications. Last week’s flooding in Texas reminded us how fast things can unravel. But some of the toughest moments aren’t natural disasters—they’re political, personal, or completely unexpected. We’ll share first person accounts from long-time local gov communicators.
Onward and Upward.