I did it - or rather 372 other people did it. I have been elected as a Council Member of the UK's CIPR. Thank you to everyone who put an X next to my name!
To be honest, I was a little surprised - when the ballot paper came out along with the manifestos from the other candidates, I didn't think anyone would vote for me. There were some very distinguished people standing.
However, I stood for two reasons. Firstly, I want to support the CIPR's educational work and secondly, I feel that my specialism is important enough to warrant a stronger voice at the heart of our profession.
With regard to the first reason my track record (of should that be 'sad obsession') of pushing skills development is well known. Ten years ago I started arguing with Sue Dewhurst about it - anv argument that spawned first the InterComm Matrix, then the Black Belt training programme and finally the Competency Model for internal communicators. And it's all based on the belief that recognition as a professional is dependent on the ability to think and act like a professional.
If you wonder why you're not taken seriously as a communicator, it could be because you're not capable of being taken seriously - get the skills, knowledge and experience and see if the situation changes.
And with regard to the second point I've long felt that PR is seen as being about long lunches and media relations. When in fact, it's a very broad church.
If I look at my own agency we have people practising every shade of media relations, public affairs, research, CSR, financial comms, public diplomacy and brand development. I think the CIPR has to reflect the range of specialisms within the profession.
So now, thanks to 372 people the CIPR has a representative - but not just one. Pamela Mounter - the author of a book on the subject also got elected and the Chair of CIPR Inside, the special interest group is already co-opted.
Maybe internal communications is taking over the asylum.
Liam
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