Episode 18: You're (Probably) Not Crazy

Welcome to Episode 18 of the Communications Business Advisor™ podcast, your go-to for advancing in corporate communications as a strategic business advisor. Today, we’re diving into that all-too-familiar feeling—wondering if you're losing your mind from handling off-the-wall requests, lazy requests, and “I don’t want to admit I don’t know how to do this” requests. 

We often question these requests because they’re shared with such confidence by the requestor that we begin to wonder, ‘Am I supposed to do this? Is this a thing my peers do in other organizations?’ 

So let me tell you if you haven’t heard it before: You’re (probably) not crazy. 

In this episode, we address 

Navigating Random Requests: Ever feel like you're stuck fielding requests about tasks that have nothing to do with Comms.? Like making a bathroom sign or fixing a voicemail system? Let's clear the air about what we’re really here to do and listen to some advice about how to handle the inbound random stuff without losing your mind. 

The Lazy Request Dilemma: Sometimes we get stuck with 'lazy requests'—the stuff anyone could handle but somehow lands on our plate. Think about those PowerPoints intended for an audience of 12 or email edits for a departmental email. You don’t have to do these - yes, even when the request comes from someone more senior. 

The “I Haven’t made a Business Decision” (but won’t say that out loud) Requests: We get pulled in to communicate something and quickly realize when asking some basic questions that a business decision hasn’t been made. We can’t communicate without knowing WHAT we’re communicating. While frustrating, this is an area where we make the most significant impact and can elevate ourselves as critical business advisors. Listen in for more. 

Want some help so you’re no longer alone in navigating all of this? Swing by www.taramcdonagh.com  

And be sure to sign up for my Level Up: Be Extra emails for even more exclusive insights. 

Shoutout to our sponsor, Raise the Tide™, for helping women in communications working in a corporate environment reach new career heights.