The Importance to ACT as a Leader

In the PR industry, making a lasting impression on peers and clients is essential. So, to stand out as a professional communicator, a leader must ACT—be attentive, trustworthy, and collective. These qualities not only define effective leadership but also set the foundation for a healthy, collaborative, and high-performing work environment.

To ACT, you must be attentive. Paying attention to the condition of the people around you, whether they seem overwhelmed or are performing exceptionally well, you are building a space where they feel comfortable enough to return to. Anticipating employees' and clients’ needs shows you have put in time and effort to involve yourself with them on a personal level. This also means listening to and involving yourself with the work and progress your team and clients have made. By being attentive on a personal and professional level, you stand out as a leader in the communications industry.

Another important aspect of being a leader in the communications industry is to be trustworthy, meaning you need to be transparent and speak with clarity. Being transparent with your coworkers not only helps them better understand their roles and responsibilities but also fosters mutual trust. Leaders must communicate instructions and information clearly and maintain confidentiality with what they share and receive from those around them.

To build a sense of trust, leaders need to make sure there is stability and a system in place that is followed. There is no room for changing rules along the way or condoning one person over another. Being equal, confidential, and orderly, you can build a sense of trust. 

To be collective, a leader needs to be open to new ideas. Hearing different opinions and stories not only allows you to build deeper relationships but also teaches you about what is working or not in your professional career. Learning from different experiences is one of the best ways to prepare yourself as a leader in the communications industry. Additionally, leaders need to be flexible to adjust to feedback and critiques. Encouraging participation from everyone creates an environment that allows everyone to feel open to ask questions and provide insight, building a stronger team. 

By following the components of ACT, a leader in the communications industry can enforce a domino effect on employees and coworkers to help each other grow within the industry. This will enforce further communication, productivity, and strength across each individual, creating an industry filled with success. 

Source:

https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/leadership-communication