Keeping Politics Out of Your PR Strategy in 2021

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February 2021 – Leading a PR Team in 2021 and Beyond

The White House. 2021 is already shaping up to be just about as interesting as its predecessor. With a myriad of hot-topic issues derailing positive brand attention, we’ll cover the ways top brands are responding and the best strategies for leading your PR team through any quagmires.

1. Keeping Politics Out of Your PR Strategy
2. Leading a PR Team in 2021
3. The 60-Second Close: Mindful Leadership Principles to Live By

1. Keeping Politics Out of Your PR Strategy

A new socio-political climate requires being sensitive to the state of the world with honest and open communication. Microsoft’s Bill Gates, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, and other leaders are calling for re-engaging globally and moving society forward.
Expect less “turbulence” going forward as we move past the transition. Continue to ride the wave of online content consumption. Increase posts and add relevance across platforms to maintain consistency.
Axia Public Relations typically recommends our clients shy away from political donations. This protects them from perceived improprieties and issues when “the other candidate” wins. To minimize these issues, Axia doesn’t provide political or government relations campaigns.

2. Leading a PR Team in 2021

Place a greater emphasis on showcasing the humans behind your organization (i.e. literally “show face”). Providing an insider’s look at leadership, operations, company news, etc. makes your brand more relatable and approachable. Transparency makes you more credible. The NBA, Chipotle, and others are rocking behind-the-scenes productions on popular platforms like Tik Tok.
Keeping the team apprised and accountable without overpressuring its members can be a balancing act. For decades, workforce management theorists at Harvard Business School have praised a “task-based” rather than “time-based” work arrangement.
Be comfortable being uncomfortable, and be open to having tough conversations. Top companies embracing diversity, inclusion, and conscious practices like Progressive and Cisco are enjoying better worker engagement.

3. The 60-Second Close: Mindful Leadership Principles to Live By

Keeping neutral on political issues is the best way to avoid any missteps and stay sensitive to the “other side.”
Leadership in PR will have to be more open, more honest, and more transparent to keep up with clients and stakeholders who are more wary than ever of shallow corporate communication.
The top skills that job-posting site Indeed lists for a PR manager include good communication, social media savvy, research skills, time management, and creativity. Although some people are born with these traits, most are not. Check out Axia’s resources for a host of learning opportunities.

Be well,

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