Jarhead Communications

A few days ago, I posted the following question on a professional networking site called LinkedIn. 

Here’ the question:

Why is “Communication” or “Corporate Communications” a job function so difficult to find?

i.e., take a look at LinkedIn’s “Categorize your question” fields or any company’s hiring board. We are asked to categorize our profession, yet it is often a toss up between Marketing or Public Relations. Have we, as a profession of communicators progressed so little that Corporate America still lacks awareness that this is a vital segment of successful business operations?

Everything from human resource functions to crisis communications are critical to having professional communication experts at the helm, yet this does not seem to be the case. Or at a minimum, there is a distinct lack of awareness.

Your thoughts?

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Hot-Spot target, bulls-eye!

The responses from the LinkedIn Community was overwhelming.  Most responses resoundingly indicated a need to identify and BRAND our profession.  We are public speakers, writers, media relations, community relations, and reputation managers…  We manage expectations, keep employees engaged, and ensure everyone, from every corner of the globe understands the corporate message…  We provide not only the feedback, but plan and manage the avenues for feedback…  We are communication enablers.

In reference to this question, one response caught my eye.  The below is an excerpt from a response posted by Mr. Jim Lukaszewski.  He asks if professional communicators can answer the following:

Can you give me advice on the spot?
Will you tell me things I don’t already know?
Can you help me with what to do next?
Will you ask managerially relevant questions?
Can you help me finish the stuff I was supposed to have done last Week?
Will you help me identify the options available to me?
Can you be brief, succinct, and helpful, from my perspective?
Are you on my team or somebody else’s (like the reporter’s?)
Will you work without a lot of praise and recognition?
Can you let go of your ideas when I take credit for them?
Will you tolerate my ignoring your advice a lot, and asking others the same questions?
Can you work without whining about the lawyers and my other consultants?

These and others are relevant and vital questions to ask yourself.

As communication professionals, we are so much more than simply a mouthpiece, we are a counselor.

As a Public Affairs Officer for the Marines, Danny is an innovative and forward-thinking executive, with a passion for leveraging effective communications to fuel employee-engagement, build community goodwill, and drive profits.