Advising the CEO: some guidance for communication directors

by Anders Monrad Rendtorff:

Communication is still important, but…

The communication task for companies and organizations has become increasingly important. There are greatly increased demands for organizations in terms of transparency, transparency, compliance and reporting. Reputation is key and the CEO is more than ever the face of the organization. Interest from the outside world and stakeholders is increasing – and everyone is demanding authenticity and credibility. But while the task of communication has become more important, the communication profession itself has undergone a huge evolution. Increasing pace, new communication channels and new formats are constantly emerging. The line between internal and external communication has disappeared and communication is seen as an integral part of strategy, not a cozy appendix.

The communicator must prioritize business, organization – and personal skills

So where does the communications function stand in relation to these challenges that CEOs are demanding?

There are three key competencies that the communications manager needs to master, in addition to knowing their communication profession.

Business understanding. This is crucial. Business and financial experience and insight have become a must to be able to ‘speak’. With business acumen often comes global experience and insight.

Networking and leadership. Simply put, it’s about knowing everyone, inside and out. It’s especially important to have a strong internal network at a high level. This is where you create real insight into the business and organizational dynamics.

Personal skills. It may seem trivial, but courage, integrity, agility, collaboration, and the ability to like problems – and solve them – are high on the list. To be a trusted advisor, you need to be in and out at the same time. You need to be close enough to know what’s going on and why it’s happening. And out enough to be able to advise unbiased, to be the one who helps the CEO see the complete picture.

According to CEOs, there is a need for communicators to strengthen their competencies to become the trusted advisor that CEOs need more than ever. But the role doesn’t come by itself. It doesn’t require more communication; the solution is to understand your business, your organization, and yourself.

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Anders Monrad Rendtorff is Senior Vice President, Global Communication, for LEO Pharma in Denmark.  He is the author of the book titled ”The Communications Advisor,” and is a #WeLeadComms honoree.

Written by: Editor