I’m stealing this post!!

Ok, not really.  I’m sharing this post.  I read this today and I agree with it so much and support the stand in it, that RT’ing it, sharing it and hoping you all look at it isn’t enough. I really want everyone to see the genius behind this blog.

Thanks to Patrice Cloutier for sharing this post with me, (another great site to look at when you are done here).

So here is what got me so excited this morning….not changing a word, comma, spelling.  It is just to awesome just the way it is!!

Full credit for the post is to http://chiefb2.wordpress.com/

Obtuse brevity

Posted: December 14, 2011 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized |Leave a comment »

My staff often accuses me of being obtuse and nebulous as I pontificate in briefings and written communications.  While I don’t agree with their jealous and myopic perspective of my keen skill in spouting bureaucratic hyperbole, I thought it prudent to state simply the overarching concepts inherent in effective and principled social media crisis communications. As you peruse these snippets of brevity, reflect on recent crisis SM communications.  Were these critical tenants addressed?  I strained to address each of these succinctly…

Fast

Don’t pass go, don’t collect $200.  Just Do It.  (Apologies to Nike)

Responsive

Someone mentions you, contacts you, fillets you, praises you…. Acknowledge. You don’t have to agree, but at least acknowledge

Credible

You fudge, hedge, deflect, delay, lie…. G’day benefit of the doubt

Honest

If you did it, own it.  If you didn’t, state it.  If you don’t know, say so!

Accurate

It’s OK to release information current at the time.  It’s not OK to let incorrect or old information linger.  If you are wrong, or info changes, get it fixed..NOW!

Expert

Ya better know what you are talking about, or make sure you get someone onboard who does (or at least appears as though they do).

Observant

Shut up and listen. (Courtesy of my Dad)

Skeptical

Challenging information begins with a one word question…  “Really?” Think before you RT someone else’s stuff.

Innovative

Information travels at the speed of light.  Culture changes are happening at the speed of sound.  It’s still faster than we can drive.  Get with it.

Respectful

Don’t diss your customers (listeners)…Period.  The customer is always right…. Unless they are a criminal.  Then,  book ‘em.

Caring

Two words –  “I’m sorry” But, you better mean it.

Have a great holiday season everyone!

========================= The End=====================

When I was writing the Social Media Basic 6 Part Series, I wish I had been better at the use of Obscure Brevity!   (I am still using a dictionary to figure out the first paragraph of this post…but I sure got the points!)

Have a great day everyone!

Agree / disagree? Let me know your thoughts or just share your opinion…its a free world!

About Tim Burrows

Tim Burrows was a sworn police officer for 25 years with experience in front line operations, primary response, traffic, detective operations and supervision. He has training in a broad spectrum of policing responsibilities including, IMS, Emergency Management, computer assisted technology investigations, leadership, community policing and crisis communications. Tim is available to assist you with your social media program and communication. Click here to contact him http://bit.ly/ContactTimBurrows
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One Response to I’m stealing this post!!

  1. Steve Koopman says:

    What language was he speaking in the first paragraph? 😉

    I also enjoyed “The customer is always right…. Unless they are a criminal.  Then,  book ‘em.” See, there are benefits to the job!

    Have a Merry Christmas Tim.

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