Workplace Parent

It is understood that effective public relations practitioners possess a number of qualities that range from being extraverted and detail-oriented to creative and personable. There is another quality or characteristic of theirs that one does not  often - if ever - hear or see discussed. It is being parental. I recognize even seeing that word may raise eyebrows  After all, one reasons, professional communicators are adults who are working with other adults. What does parenting have to do with any of that? Good question. The answer, in a word, is "everything." In working with clients and those they represent, professional communicators do tend to assume parental qualities.


One example is the PR rep who works with the chief executive officer of a corporation. Let us say this executive has an important interview coming up with a major media outlet. It represents exposure that could generate positive publicity for the company as well as the executive. Leading up to the one-on-one encounter with the reporter, the PR rep works closely with their boss, going over specific talking points, helping them prepare for what might be difficult or awkward questions, and even coaching them on how to sit once the formal interview is under way. Such points are not all that dissimilar from that which a parent would review with a child.   


These things, of course, cover only those elements leading up to the interview. Depending how well the executive does in their sit-down with the reporter, the communicator shares in the pride and joy of the encounter or takes the teachable moments that have come from this experience so that future interviews might go more smoothly. They are their boss' teacher, cheerleader, advocate, counselor and protector. Any Moms and Dads reading this right now see similarities between how they are with their children and how professional communicators are with their clients? Of course, for such a dynamic at the workplace to occur, there must be a great deal of earned trust. That, as is so often the case in such matters, takes time.