College Sports Information Directors of America

Are you a Strategic Communicator? Test Yourself

For each statement, give yourself a score from 1 (never applicable/ never true) to 10 (always applicable/ always true)

I think of myself as a professional with responsibilities for communications that influence and achieve results, not as a writer, editor, producer, spokesperson, creative director, etc. _____
I recognize that communication is not about publications or media. Communication is a change agent. The purpose of communication is not merely to convey information, but to influence behavior by inspiring people to take action toward the organization's objectives. ______
All communication activities and messages are linked to the strategic objectives of the organization and are carried out based on a comprehensive communication plan. ______
Communication is recognized and practiced as a management process with a specific business purpose and disciplined methods of development, implementation, and measurements. ______
Communication is based on research such as interviews, focus groups, surveys, and audits. It benefits from methods such as bench marking, best practices, and models of excellence. ______
I have a good understanding of our stakeholders with profiles for each group. I never assume that I know what stakeholders think and need. I seek their input and feedback. _____
My communication does not use my own language, style, and preferred media. Rather, it utilizes those of our audiences. Our communication uses a receiver-focused approach in both content and context. _____
I recognize that the primary responsibility for employee communication lies with managers and supervisors. I provide managers with the tools and training that enable them to effectively play their role as communicators. _____
I recognize that people will not respond to communication messages falling upon them from above without their participation. I strive to create organization-wide employee engagement so we can move enthusiastically toward our shared goals. _____
I recognize that to be influential, communication must be credible. I create highly credible communication that satisfies the organization’s interests as well as its stake-holders’ need to know and understand. _____
Add your 10 scores to come up with your final score out of a total of 100. Then find ways to improve your score by improving your performance in each of the 10 areas of the test.