In this episode, three seasoned communications leaders share hard-earned lessons on navigating internal communications when the stakes are high:
-
J.B. Skelton – Director of Internal & Executive Communications, Microsoft
-
Andrew Blotky – Founder & CEO, Azure Leadership Group, Author of Honestly Speaking
-
Antonio Ortolani – VP of Global Insights, Meltwater
Together, they dig into the question: How do you prepare for the unexpected while keeping employees informed, aligned, and inspired?
Key Insights
-
Playbooks matter. Documented frameworks give communicators a head start when crises hit. They build trust with leadership and prevent scrambling.
-
Listening is more than surveys. True listening means pulse checks, relationships, and understanding how representative “loud voices” really are.
-
Authenticity wins. Employees and consumers see through opportunistic statements. Speak only when you have a clear purpose, and back words with meaningful action.
-
Even-keeled leadership. Communicators provide stability when emotions run high, helping leaders make thoughtful, values-based decisions.
-
Silence isn’t a strategy. Quick, transparent responses—even if imperfect—beat silence, which breeds skepticism and mistrust.
Practical Takeaways
-
Build and regularly update crisis playbooks.
-
Set up listening mechanisms before you need them.
-
Lead with honesty: explain why decisions are made, even when they’re unpopular.
💡 As Andrew Blotky reminds us: “If you’re speaking, you’re doing it because you want to have impact. And if you’re not, people will see through it.”