Public relationships managers wear plenty of hats. As the communications leader, this person serves as the primary spokesperson for an organization, establishing relationships with customers and other audiences. This position is about working with others on the communication team to establish continuity, clarity and effectiveness. If you’re looking to improve your skills and be the best manager possible, consider relying on the following five traits.
1. Demonstrate leadership
Managers work with numerous teams and staff members, reviewing work, offering ideas and inspiring creativity. You are in the role of a leader, which demands careful attention to detail and attitude. People watch you, looking for guidance on how they should interact with others and complete their projects. Keep an eye on the bigger picture and the smaller details, helping others understand the vision for major assignments and the company in general.
2. Emphasize clear communication
Your field thrives on constant and clear communication. If you’re going to engage and stay on top of the numerous tasks you have to manage, focus consistently on delivering concise and accurate messages. Be sure that you get out information in a timely fashion, remain professional and polite, and (if possible), add some energy to them. In addition, don’t inundate yourself with repetitive information, and don’t bombard meetings and emails. Get to the main points, don’t stray from your concept and respect others’ time and inboxes.
3. Remain up-to-date on current trends and events
Public relations centers on connecting people with a message, so know your audience and remain knowledgeable about essential topics. If you want to remain in the lead, you must understand and acknowledge current trends, twists and hiccups. What does that entail? Spend time reading through industry content. Get on social media, follow the influencers and devour critical articles about others within your field. Use that information to help your team remain aware of how to appropriately create pieces and angles.
Are you working with search engine optimization to promote your company’s services? Researching the audience’s trends allows you to discuss relevant and engaging content and determine the correct appropriate keywords. Connect to what is popular, so you get a leg up.
4. Understand how to effectively spin a story
It’s all in how you say something, correct? Managers recognize that approach, word choice and tone matter. Even during a difficult time, know how to make something sound upbeat to your ability. Spin the story, promoting the best features and minimizing the downside.
PR demands effective storytelling, and as the leader, you need to show others that you can handle chaos, turning it into something others want to hear. Continue to work with writing skills and learn more about how stories and online writing work together, utilizing the blogging world to your advantage. Model how others should think and write to effectively promote your company.
5. Know the line between confidence and arrogance
As a manager, you make significant decisions. You can’t be wishy-washy, wondering if you’re doing the right thing. Learn to listen, reflect on the information and make a confident and firm decision. When others approach you for advice, use the same approach, patiently taking in their concern, weighing the ups and downs and determining the best solution. Recognize and admit errors, however. Arrogance is a turnoff for many employees and could discourage others from seeking your opinion in the future.
PR managers juggle tasks throughout the day, establishing a positive outlook on their company’s reputation. Strive to understand the current trends, get on social media and show others your leadership and writing skills. Guide them to improve and motivate them to do their best. Above all, remain communicate regularly and effectively with them.
