One characteristic of a strategic thinker
For a little over a year and a half now, I have been working at a public relations agency that has the reputation of having some of the most strategic thinkers in the business. I remember my first few weeks on the job, sitting aimlessly and terrified in meeting after meeting thinking to myself, “everyone that works here is so dang smart; how in the hell am I going to keep up?”
The answer, to begin with, was simple. Fake it. Smile and nod along as people threw out the names of media personnel I had never heard of, terminology I would later look up and strategic plans that were nothing short of brilliant.
But, as I spent more time in this environment and I watched my colleagues and other strategic PR peers at work. I realized one characteristic they all possessed – awareness. They had trained their brains and their eyes to be strategically aware.
- Not just noticing a billboard, but thinking how it could relate to a client’s mission.
- Not just overhearing a conversation on the bus about a hot new restaurant, but tuning-in in terms of new business.
- Not just reading an article, but looking at the byline and learning the journalist’s beat and writing style.
Basically connecting the dots of the noisy outside world.
Although the concept of being aware is quite simple in theory, it is actually overwhelming to start training your brain to react this way. The world is so cluttered and the messages never stop coming at you. But, being constantly aware can eventually become second nature. And, I believe this type of awareness is absolutely necessary in order to be successful in the communications industry.
Whadya think? Do you agree? Disagree? What is one characteristic that is necessary to be successful in your profession?
David Erickson:
November 19th, 2009 at 7:44 am
“Training” is the key word here. That is a skill in and of itself–being able to train your brain–and a crucial one, I think, for any profession.
The other characteristic I’d add is having a voracious appetite for learning. The more you know, the more possible dots you have at your disposal to connect.
Nacho:
November 19th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Often times, my “awareness” makes me look like a tool in front of buddies in other professions. Doesn’t mean I’m smarter, just means what you said- I look at things in a different light. Another helpful PR trait: thick skin.
e-Strategy Internet Marketing Blog:
November 23rd, 2009 at 10:13 am
Minnesota Monday – Communications Bloggers Posts From Last Week…
Interesting posts from Minnesota communications bloggers for the week ending 11/22/09.
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