Communicators: Pay attention to the 3 Cs

However, it’s frequently the more high-profile external communicators who receive all the attention, credit and glory. It doesn’t have to be this way.

To gain more respect and influence, and win a better seat at the table, communicators should focus on three Cs:

Exhibiting this trinity of qualities will ensure internal communication is properly budgeted for, fully appreciated, and viewed as a central component of organizational strategy.

Competence

If you want senior stakeholders to take your advice and suggestions, you must establish your ability to do your job well. That means consistently demonstrating your competence in ways that are meaningful to your bosses. If they only care about numbers, focus on presenting data. If retention is their chief concern, make that your concern too.

People often assume that experience and qualifications alone can speak for their level of competence. Don’t be shy about showing what you’re capable of. Achieving a perception of competence requires consistently delivering tangible results—in metrics that resonate with your target audience.