Communicators Anonymous

R-E-S-P-E-C-T Find out what it means to you

Karen Russell challenges communications professionals to discuss 12 issues. Last year, I contributed with CA post, Conversation with the Boss. I'd like to extend the conversation and answer follow-up question, What is the biggest mistake I made early in my career?

Simple answer: Not having/demonstrating automatic respect for senior positions.

Seven years ago I walked into a pr agency thinking I would conquer the world...ASAP. My ego was HUGE. I had landed a great position as an account executive and entered the agency business above entry-level. I felt I had paid my dues in previous paid pr positions throughout college. What did these older people know or could teach me? I kept this attitude as I made my way into corporate/government communications. I was in for a rude awakening.

"Demonstrate respect for the existing process, chances are good that you work with the person who created it and they are more likely to support you if you support them." --Newly Corporate: Soften Your Change to Succeed

My passion (outspokenness) led to senior management noticing me. I had a love-hate relationship with all co-workers and management. It was my way or tantrum. I grimace as I think about my past behavior. My quest for change was overshadowed with personality conflicts. I did not see titles; I saw obstacles.

My turning point was during a company worldwide manger conference. I had been invited to sit in on a think tank with the COO and senior leadership. This was not unusual. The topics discussed and solutions proposed were nothing new. I became frustrated and voiced my thoughts and opinions. I had no respect for the positions in the room. I was consumed with self-centeredness.

I am still with this company. It has taken quite some time to repair burned bridges and recover from my outburst. I may not like these people or agree with their tactics and opinions, but at the end of the day, it is their word and decision. Hopefully, I will rise to such a coveted senior position and I must remember the blood, sweat and tears it took to get there.

Leave personality conflicts at the door. Respect the position. One day some young pup will be saying and acting the same way towards you.

Tell Us What You Think

Finally, customers can voice concerns about Michael's closing Recollections stores. But will they listen?

I completed the survey and gave my email address if Michael's wants to chat.

Dear Lauren,

Of all the questions we receive about our store closing, the most frequently asked question is “Does Michaels have any plans to carry the products that we currently find at Recollections?”

Here is your big chance to tell Michaels about the types of products and services that you would like to see in the future! Simply click on the “Take the survey now” link below, and fill out the simple online survey.

We really appreciate in-put from our Recollections customers about the products that you would like Michaels to carry in the future.


Thank you for your support,

The Recollections Team

Zany: What kind of helicopter parent are you?

My daughter played soccer last year. Let me rephrase, my daughter was enrolled on a soccer team. Merrick played a total of ten minutes the entire season. She preferred being a cheerleader. This is no surprise considering she is a 4 yr old diva. At the end of the season, all the kids received a trophy. At 4, my child is already being told you don't have to follow through to be rewarded. Trust me, she got the message.

Everyone receiving a trophy is just an example of the coddling environment younger generations experience. The kids don't learn lessons because Mom and Dad catch them before they fall or are able to game the system to keep their children out of harm or trouble. I am constantly amazed at all the gadgets parents use to hover over their children. Frightening, really. What happens when we are gone?

How do you rate your civic virtue?

As I get older, my quest for individualism wanes and I become more deeply involved with community issues. Learning to think for self is necessary, but self does not have all the answers. Respectful interaction is learned, not inherent, especially with younger Gen X, Y and V. Living in a society requires social connectedness acceptance of boundaries against infringement. How the self is conducted in a community is a direct reflection of personal morals. This is civic virtue.

"Whereas physical capital refers to physical objects and human capital refers to the properties of individuals, social capital refers to connections among individuals – social networks and the norms of reciprocity and trustworthiness that arise from them. In that sense social capital is closely related to what some have called “civic virtue.” The difference is that “social capital” calls attention to the fact that civic virtue is most powerful when embedded in a sense network of reciprocal social relations. A society of many virtuous but isolated individuals is not necessarily rich in social capital." -Robert Putnam

A flourishing community is the result of individuals righteously practicing basic principles for the betterment of the whole.

Robert Putnam defines three civic virtues:

1. Active participation in public life
2. Trustworthiness
3. Reciprocity acquired through social connectedness

Become part of the "WE."

How do you rate your civic virtue?

"We believe our profession is in a strong position to succeed in the 21st century. None of the new roles we have described is currently the responsibility of an existing department, and our evolution as a function has prepared us well to take them on. Although success will require new approaches, deeper business knowledge and new skills and measurements, we are ready for this moment." -- Arthur W. Page Society, The Authentic Enterprise

Zany: Geeks make great fathers

There is still the perception of people manically typing at a keyboard or Treo at all times day and night might be a geek. But this doesn't have to be a negative term. Every morning I log on to Twitter I read tweets of loving dads getting their daughters ready for school. I stumbled upon this post and thought it was too good not to share: Top Ten Reasons Geeks Make Good Fathers.

CA Twelve Traditions: Structural Governance

In February 2006, this blog was created to promote a twelve step program for communicators. For nearly two years, we have delved into each step. We must continue to work the program and practice these steps in all our affairs. We are not exclusive; we are an integral part of society. The Twelve Step Program for Communicators is to better the individual for better function in the industry.

The tools we use to practice communicating may evolve, but the principles of our job remain the same. It is our responsibility to use what has been passed down by predecessors, weave in original thought and lessons learned for the teaching of a new generation. Emerging technology does not wipe the slate clean and forget the roots of our industry.

Many Twelve Step programs establish guidelines of how the group should function to resolve conflicts, publicity and finances. Public Relations does not have one central representative entity. In addition to the CA Twelve Steps, I propose the CA Twelve Traditions:

1. Our common welfare should come first; industry trust recovery depends upon marketing unity.
2. For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority—a representative group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
3. The only requirement for membership is a moral obligation to uphold the principles of the communications industry.
4. Each local chapter should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or communications as a whole.
5. Each local chapter has but one primary purpose—to carry its message to the communications professionals not practicing the CA Twelve Steps.
6. An local chapter ought never endorse, finance, or lend the CA name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
7. Every local chapter ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
8. Communicators Anonymous is professionals only, but our service centers may employ special workers.
9. CA, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
10. Communicators Anonymous has no opinion on outside industry issues; hence the CA name ought never be drawn into public controversy.***Still thinking this out...
11. Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films.
12. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.

(Adapted from AA Twelve Traditions.)

This year, CA will explore the PRSA/CIPR/IABC Code Provisions, principles and professional values and their place in the fifth estate.

Crazy Eight for '08

Thank you, Geoff! A similar meme made rounds last summer, so I will differ from first zany list.

1. My birthday gift to self was a tattoo from Cat Tattoo of an ouroboros dragon. (Thank you, Memphis.) The tattoo is a custom work of art placed on mid-lower back. I am not a big girl, so the tattoo is a bit bigger than I originally intended, but discreetly hidden. The dragon with tail in its mouth symbolizes infinity and the eating of one's self/ego -- the archetypal significance to the psyche was a key study of my master thesis/Communicators Anonymous.
2. I was born in Germany.
3. A loyal OU Sooners football fan...even after the last game. (BTW-I am NOT from Oklahoma.)
4. I own just as many hats as shoes.
5. I am highly allergic to milk and all milk products. In today's society, the allergy is not abnormal, but in the '80s it was a bit freakish. This is not a lactose intolerance allergy. I go into anaphylaxis shock by touch and taste. I have never had pizza or ice cream...at least not what "normal" dairy eaters are familiar.  Since birth I have been a taste tester of soy products. Trust me, the taste has come a LONG way. Today there are great resources out there for parents of children with food allergies. I have learned (thanks, Mom) to make just about any recipe with soy substitutes. Of course, I can't cook, so that is why I love shopping at Whole Foods and Central Market. My favorite soy ice cream is Soy Purely Decadent Pomegranate Chip . Scrumptious!
6. If I ever have a son I would like to name him Poe.
7. I am reincarnated.
8. I prefer cold and rainy weather 6 days a week.

The tag is passed to Karen (of course) and Tiffany.

(Photo courtesy emiguez65.)

Zany: Three Rs of Transformation

Perhaps Santa was trying to tell me something because he left the January copy of O Magazine in my stocking?

• Higher ENERGY, Deeper Rest
• 53 WAYS to Give Your Looks a Lift
• Self-Esteem REPAIR Kit

I am not a regular reader of this magazine, but found The Willpower Myth by Stephanie Losee, apropos to social media conversation. The magazine article was inspired by Alan Deutschman's book, Change or Die: The Three Keys of Change at Work and in Life. (I plan to purchase this book when it comes out in paperback later this month.)

Deutschman found most people successfully change and maintain better quality of life not through willpower but through a peer relationship with a person or a group that shows them the way.

Empathize Community: "I can do it, you can, too."

I have become quite familiar with the deer-in-the-headlights look when talking about social media. The tone and posture soften when you establish an emotional connection and become the beacon. Put yourself in their shoes. There was a time when you didn't know what you do now. Provide the right training at the right time. Live and breathe change.

"So often we think that change is impossible, that people don't change, that we can't change. But you can't argue with a living breathing person in front of you who has done it, and modeling yourself on them is the best way to do the same." -Deutschman

Social media is the perfect forum for change and surrounding yourself with smart people. Why is it so damn hard to change?

The Three Rs:

• Reframing
• Relating
• Repeating

C.C. Chapman said this is the "year of help." Give the gift of belief.

Start with your peers. Remember we are talking with all experience levels. Someone has a better idea. Accept and be on the look-out for good teachers. Always.

Photo Courtesy: Flickr/Soller Photo