As a Communications Leader, You Need to Build Your Own Business Compass

Every second communications director says they experience competition from other executives when advising the CEO on communications matters.

Trump, the climate crisis, polarisation, digitalization and rapid technological advances. The list of developments affecting organisations’ ability to navigate today’s landscape is long. In every decision, large or small, internal or external, communication therefore plays a decisive role. At the same time, the pace is relentless, and expectations of communications leaders continue to rise.

We have interviewed several Swedish communications directors about their experiences. They all describe the same reality: everything is moving fast, expectations to contribute, both strategically and operationally, are increasing, and many admit they are still trying to solve new problems with old tools.

From map to compass

One key conclusion we have drawn is that communications advisory work is no longer about producing the right map. Instead, it is about building a better compass.

A map only works when the terrain is known. But when the landscape is constantly changing, other navigation tools are required. Tools that allow you to move seamlessly up and down the organisation. To switch between the ownership perspective of the boardroom and the day-to-day leadership of your communications team. To translate core communications issues into business-strategic advantages that the CEO understands.

The relationship is crucial

Even the best navigation tools matter little if you are not also building a strong relationship with senior leadership.

What is the value of navigating skillfully if no one listens at the highest decision-making level? That is why it is equally important to understand, in very practical terms, how relationships with leadership are built. How to create collaboration that genuinely contributes to organisational development and delivers tangible results. In short, how to take the lead and earn the leadership team’s attention.

Together with communications expert and author Kristian Eiberg, we have developed the course “How to Strengthen Your Business Strategic Capability,” which will be made available to everyone through Sveriges Kommunikatörer on March 5th. The training is based on Kristian’s multi-year research in collaboration with Copenhagen Business School, and where Cloudberry has also contributed with input from Swedish conditions and context.

More info and sign up to the course➚