The Heart of Listening
Over the last two years, facilitators like me were forced to pivot our training programmes for the online space. As someone BBF (Born Before Technology), I’m loathe to admit that this concept was entirely overwhelming at first. But like the title of acclaimed South African satirist Pieter-Dirk Uys’s first one-man show, it was an Adapt or Dye situation – well, in my case – Adapt or Die!
The X-factor
I’ve had enough. There, I’ve said it. I long for the energy of presence, regular face-to-face contact and a shared sense of social identity. I call this the X-factor. This has to do with connections, engagement and being with our colleagues. It is the need we have for each other and to be united around something that matters. It is also the positive obligation to contribute to the group and culture, and to share our talents and build relationships.
Media and Communication training
Senior managers at Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) attended Media and Communication training on 16 and 17 April 2019 at ISIbalo House. The trainees were divided into two groups, and one group per day was trained on how to conduct themselves in media interviews. The training was conducted by Ms Janine Lazarus from Janine Lazarus Media Consultancy.
The Listeria hysteria: How not to communicate from a crisis communications vantage point
If there could be anything worse than the largest ever recorded outbreak of this severe form of listeriosis globally, it could only be the way it has been communicated. In fact, from a crisis communications perspective, the killer polony scandal can be used as a case study of how NOT to respond to an unfolding tragedy of such mammoth proportions.
In the firing line – tips for dealing with the media
OK. So you’ve learned the basics of how to deal with the media. And you think you’re ready. The fact is – you’re not. When last did you go through rigorous Media Skills Training? A few years ago? And was it a rather dull PowerPoint presentation with a handy guide book thrown in for good measure?