How do communicators deal with everyday life communication challenges?
Like everyone else.

This used to be a normal-sized, expensive wool cushion cover when it went into the wash.
Now it’s an expensive wool lining for the dog bed.
And there’s already a teeny wool throw in there, that used to be human sized.
I put neither of them in the wash.

My mum happened to be there when I found the miniaturised thing on the washing line. She saw my face and said: “Don’t say anything.”
That’s not a strategy, I thought.
But it is a choice.

Part of my job is helping leaders communicate uncomfortable truths and tough decisions, navigate tricky situations, and generally tell employees things they won’t react to well.
“Don’t say anything” is not something I tend to recommend.

It’s been called many things: putting lipstick on a pig, polishing a turd, sugar-coating the pill.
But that’s not how I see my mission. 
My mission is to help leaders say what needs to be said, without offending, patronising, trivialising, or leaving room for misinterpretation.

That cushion cover is a humbling reminder that effective communication isn’t just about a plan, talking points or FAQs.

It’s about dealing with real people, putting yourself in their shoes, understanding who they are as leaders, and most of all - acknowledging the discomfort that comes with choosing if, when, what and how to communicate.

If someone gave me a script for how to address the “cushion crisis” (exaggerating for dramatic effect), it would be useless if it didn’t consider all those factors – and even then, would still be an awkward conversation.

No matter how skilled a communicator you are, every job will be unique.
And a one-size-fits-all approach won't cut it.