Thursdays with Tushar: The power of seven: Tips to become a successful Public Affairs Manager
View Comments Published by on 1/10/08 at 00:10.
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We are back to business. Year 2008 is full of news. Our blog is also making waves with great contribution from young and energetic writers. I see lot of involvement and interactivity from our readers too. The cricket and its racial monkeys to wild dogs, the cricketer with highest integrity and the cricketer who is still figuring out whether monkey is an animal or some race! BCCI’s late awakening, comparison of current president versus the previous one and so on… It is indeed a good news year so far and we have just crossed ten dates on our calendar. I thought of writing annual PR horoscope for the benefit of our readers, but you will have to wait till next Thursday for that. I have given a task to a dear friend and well-known astrologer. She is currently busy gazing at crystal ball and reading tarot card for us PR wallahs!I am keeping my promise about continuing our affair with public affairs and giving out few tips about how to become successful public affairs professional. Well, please practice this with caution; it also depends on where you are in time and place.
Patience is a virtue: Develop this most important trait. It will come in quite handy under all circumstances. I have waited for a bureaucrat for nine hours in a dingy government office on a broken bench. There are lots of other benefits too.
News is knowledge: Learn from the news. Use the news for your benefit and use it for your advantage. Strategic media management in public affairs plays a very important role too. One doesn’t need to talk about it here.
Small is big: Every individual with a government ID card is important. Missing file can only be found by the most important person in office. The section officer’s remarks can not be ruled out even by minister in a conventional wisdom. Joint secretaries decide our future with one stroke of red or green pen. Respect everyone, forget no one.
Give me Red: Not many people like the color red (please excuse me, Mr. Left) but you should learn to love the red. Red-tapism is the most abused word and you need to learn to use ‘red carpet tactics’ to find your way through the maze.
Research is the key: Do a lot of research. Have answers to all possible questions. Prove your worth as an argumentative Indian without being one. I am still wondering what were we doing and how were we surviving when there was no Google and the only color my office computer’s monitor shouted on my face was black. You are lucky, we are all lucky to have you guys! We love you Google.
Politics in my favorite cup of tea: Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that you need to play office politics. It's too petty and should better be left for those who don’t have anything better to do in life. Knowing to get even with politics and politicians is a skill and do whatever it takes to make them remember your name.
The humble does not tumble: Dealing with bureaucracy and politicians would surely make you humble. It shows you who you really are. The way this country has been run is remarkable. There are lot of good officers, some amazing politicians and many amazing activists out there who are making a difference to the society in their own manner. Respect them and respect the power it brings to the fore. Yes, power corrupts too. But there is hope and there is God.
This list looks more like a checklist of soft skills development seminar. There is lot more to learn and share but I am not a doctor who prescribes a medicine which not many people like to swallow. I am ending my public affairs posts here. If you have any questions or specific queries based on all our posts, please feel free to write to me and we will discuss them online or offline.
Future is bright for those who respect the present. Take care and be happy.
Labels: Public Affairs
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Hi, good tips from an experienced person. Can you also share a bit on what does a PA agency provides to its client in terms of deliverables? This could be useful info.
Dear Anonymous:
It varies from a client to client. Every client has a unique requirement and the agency devises the best strategy keeping in mind the end objective(s). It could be anything, which is achievable and permissable under the law of the land. It depends on what your client is looking for and how far he/she is willing to involve the outside agency.
I hope this helps you. For more specific query, please feel to write to us at editor@indiaprblog.com
Take care,
Tushar