Survival Versus Acceptance

Humans have several fundamental instincts that represent an interesting challenge for communicators. The two instincts to which I am referring are survival and acceptance. The first speaks to our desire - our need - to live and get through any situation we face in any way we can. The second speaks more to our need to belong and have others with whom we can interact, mingle and relate. The challenge is found in the reality that at times the two instincts do not coincide. There are circumstances in which our need for one runs counter to our need for the other.

As a timely example, I point to our current presidential election cycle, which is currently at the beginning stages. Republican candidates are working hard to survive in their quest to enhance their profile, raise more money and, ultimately, obtain the nomination of their party. In this effort, each one is striving to gain the acceptance of various groups or constituencies that will embrace them and provide them with the active support they require to defeat the other Republican candidates. But when one seeks the acceptance of a particular group, they also risk rejection and survival. The challenge of the candidates is to gain the acceptance of the right groups that will give them the momentum they require to win this survival competition.

Each candidate has a team of communication experts on their staffs who face the challenge of coming up with strategies that will ensure the two instincts are in sync. Already, we are seeing indicators that some of the candidates are succeeding while others are not. Is this the responsibility of the communicators? No. But what is their responsibility is devising ways for the candidates to be properly showcased in order that their message is heard as loudly and clearly as possible. Ultimately, the candidate and their message determine their survival. The communicators are present to help ensure the instincts at-play remain compatible.