From the Comms Cupboard

From the Comms Cupboard draws to a close after 40 episodes. John + Shaun discuss why they started the podcast in the first place. It's been a strange year, with multiple lockdowns affecting how we work, where we work and what we work on. Some people started a podcast about communication. What have we learned about ourselves during the Coronavirus, and what will happen to the fish if no one eats it? Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

A new report looks at trends in employee engagement and internal communications. John + Shaun discuss some of the bullet points and statistics. There are some positives and downsides to the findings, with "going digital" a key area under the microscope. Are we still obsessed with meetings? Is the IT department still deciding what tools we use? And how come no one's making a chocolate bar called Conduit? (Probably because it sounds wrong.) Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by...

Managers are often thrust into positions they're unsuited for. Whose job is it to help them handle communication better: the comms department, HR or the boss? John + Shaun navigate the different scenarios where one department may be better than another in making life easier for a typical manager. Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

Performance appraisals will look different this year because of Covid-19. But how so? And are communications clear enough about what they might look like? John + Shaun discuss comms clarity around objectives taking into account a stressful year for some and a good year for others. What motivates us? Are ratings fair? And how do John + Shaun rate the past year as podcast hosts? Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

Humans seem to love hierarchy, but red tape and bureaucracy can lead to poor communication and lack of respect for creativity. John + Shaun cite the Handforth Parish Council viral video as an example of poor communication, and of status, titles and officious behaviour. It's good for a giggle, but corporate culture is something we may need to check if we want individual creativity to flourish. Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

Professional comms teams aren't the only ones with the ability to communicate well. John and Shaun talk about what makes an effective business. It turns out communication is something we can all improve, especially if we're members of different teams and departments, or we're ducks and moorhens. (Take a listen to see what we mean.) Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

Do we rely too much on leaders to guide us through a crisis, or can we all use the power of communication? John and Shaun discuss the particulars while out for a walk. Many of us have the common sense to make our own decisions, but we blame managers for what transpires. What can good communication do to help others get through crises? Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

On Time to Talk Day, John and Shaun discuss mental health at work, supporting the campaign 'the power of small'. Statistics show 2020 was a tough year for employee well-being, so what will the after effects look like? What role does leadership play in how flexible our workplaces become, and what becomes of the puppy at the job interview? (All will be revealed.) Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

The pandemic brought with it short-term plans to counter its effects. But what about the long-term? John and Shaun have a short discussion about it. How important is it to think long-term when it comes to business decisions, and what responsibilities do we have as communications professionals to help people see beyond the present situation? Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

A good brainstorming session is great, but do all the best ideas make it to the surface? John + Shaun discuss the possibilities. Whether you're working remotely or gathering in an office, there's more to a productive brainstorm than you think. This episode covers distractions, dominant personalities and prodigious toddlers. Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

Change programmes rely on good, transparent communication. John and Shaun focus on the steps that mitigate the impact of organisational change. They discuss the importance of company values, honesty, avoiding business-speak, Milky Bars and holding on to valuable people. Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

What do we do with the insight we gather, and what role do comms professionals play in ensuring good insight is shared? John and Shaun discuss the ins and outs. What can we learn about ourselves from company surveys, and what can we do better by learning from other companies? It's good to learn from others! Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

Kick off the new year with a few tips about tools. John and Shaun come up with a couple of ideas, and about how comms can help spread the word. Notion is suggested as a way to build a company wiki, as well as tools such as Google Docs, Microsoft Teams, Slack and the power of iPads. Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

John and Shaun recorded a brief message to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year! Love from the Comms Cupboard! See you in 2021! x

When bullying reveals its ugly face in the workplace, what do we do? John and Shaun discuss stats, signs and potential comms solutions. Bullying and banter often go hand in hand – it's about our behaviour. But there are many types of bullying, and different ways to interpret what it actually looks like. Business leaders need to prevent good people leaving within a year, so how do they enforce company values? The comms team comes to the rescue! Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by...

As we get older, is it easy to stay fresh and hungry? John and Shaun believe it’s important to be adaptable more than ever. And with relatively unforeseen events such as a pandemic, a well as the relentless pace of technological change, there’s never been a better time to stay on top of your game. Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

How do we look after our colleagues' well-being without insulting them or affecting our own happiness? John and Shaun float a few theories of their own. This show may include the words fat, grumble and humdinger. Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

Working at home doesn't have to be tedious. John and Shaun discuss ways to battle remote fatigue that you might eventually take back to the office. You never know, you may communicate better! There are definitely lessons to take from at-home work life, but recognising what they are could be difficult. Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

Does it matter if your boss isn't actually the person writing those inspiring messages to the troops? John and Shaun suggest it's about a good leader-comms relationship. It's easy to accuse your CEO of not really knowing what's going on, but perhaps it's a case of someone else having better communications skills to make up for it. Of course, like everything, it's never that simple. Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music Standard Licence.

It's really important for businesses to back things up properly, but many employees still aren't doing it right. John and Shaun discuss why companies don't have a good plan B, or if they do, why many employees still don't get it. Is it about how we communicate the importance of backing up, and making things non-technical for technophobes? Perhaps, and it may also be something to do with working remotely on rubbish company laptops! Produced by Shaun Weston Media. Music by CyrilNikitin, Music...