Communications Insight For More Inspiring Leaders What Connects Us?

What Connects Us?

 21st Jun 2023
 
 
S. in Sunderland
 
In Sunderland in the north-east today to work with some senior leaders in education.

Despite not being a Sunderland fan (forgive me if you’re from the town but I grew up in the West Midlands!) I was totally gripped by the tv documentary on the club, “Sunderland ‘Til I Die”.

Charting the club’s first season after relegation from the Premiership… and subsequent relegation from the Championship 🙁…

The sheer emotion, the highs and lows, financial challenges, remarkable cast of characters and what the club clearly means to the town…

Epic stuff.

My point is this: what connects us is human interest. Emotion cuts across culture, hierarchy, organisation, nationality and more.

When seeking to engage diverse crowds, look for the underlying human connection. That’s where a relationship can be forged…
 
I should add I was delighted when Sunderland were promoted back into the Championship a year ago...and was rooting for them against Luton in the recent Play-Offs!

#publicspeaking #leadership #communication

What I've appreciated most has been the increased thought the team has been putting into how they come across and what they say. Colleagues in other teams have already commented on the improvement in both skills and confidence.

 

Emma Truswell | Deputy Head of Services, Open Data Institute (ODI)

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