"Is what he said that he want you to help
him do really what he means?"

The consultant said:
"First of all, keep smiling as you tell this division vice president that his situation is not a communication issue. 

"Explain that the public affairs participation initiative is a management decision that you certainly can help him prepare to communicate with his group. 

"Recommend that he discuss the chairman's directive face-to-face with his group where he explains the requirement of the directive and solicits their suggestions on how they can meet the participation requirement while still getting the work done. Offer to help him set up the face-to-face session. Tell him that based upon the session and the ideas produced by the group, you will analyze whether there are any communication issues about the management decision that he needs to address. 

"If necessary, point out the negative outcomes likely if anyone were to target his group for a media/message blitz on why they should participate in public affairs. 

"Understand the major variable in your situation. This division vice president appears to not really care whether his group participates in public affairs or not. He seems more interested in 'looking good' to his boss, the chairman. Always keep that in mind. Let me know how it goes?" 

Stay tuned for updates on this one and look for more real-world communication challenges and outcomes at this site in the months to come. Contact us, if you'd like to send us a challenge and outcome for this space. You also may wish to investigate our advanced-level seminar Internal Communication Consulting for Bottom-Line Impact.

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