• Crisis Management: Crisis is an inevitable aspect of our lives. For
one reason or another, organizations will go through crisis. During
this phase, if crisis is not managed properly, it may have a huge
negative impact on the brand. The takeaway here for me is that
organizations must learn to adequately communicate with both
internal and external stakeholders during a crisis period. It’s not
enough to identify the problem, and look for solutions. i It is also
very important to acknowledge mistakes and apologize to all
concerned stakeholders. We must also identify best
communication channels to reach them, and update them on how
far we have gone in resolving the issue and give assurance that
everything is okay going forward.
• Generational Marketing: This is the segmentation of customers
into age groups and time events for marketing purposes. Gone
are the days when one marketing approach is used for all
customers. In today’s world, unless a brand appeals to just one
demographic target audience, the organization must tailor its
marketing strategies to appeal to four distinct generations. Baby
boomers, and Generation X, Y, Z.
For me, each generation has its characteristics, its own communication
needs, and what generally appeals to them. If we are to adequately get
the attention of our target audience, we must identify them based on
age demographics and the era they were born. Our products and
services, marketing strategies, means of communication, etc. should be
tailored towards their characteristics and attributes.
• Functional Departments are made up of teams of employees that
have similar skills and expertise. Depending on the structure of
the organization, there are usually between 5-7 functional
departments in an organization. These areas include Finance, HR,
Marketing, Sales, Operations, Technology etc.
While these departments have particular functions and expertise to
move the organization forward, there’s a need for them to work
together to ensure quality service delivery.
For me, communication, knowledge sharing, giving and receiving
feedbacks from colleagues across departments are key factors that
must be considered for an effective cross- functional collaboration
towards achieving a common goal or the optimization of the brand.
Attributes and Personal brand traits of effective leaders
Leadership is the ability of an individual(s)to influence and guide
followers or members of an organization (Mary, K 2021)
Being a leader is something that must be earned and not demanded.
There are some certain qualities you must possess that will make
people follow you. Leadership traits are not innate, they can be learned
and adopted into our everyday lives. Below are some attributes of
effective leadership.
• Humility – A leader must not be arrogant. They welcome ideas
from everyone.
• Approachable – Leaders practice open door policy. People are
comfortable going to see them for advice and guidance.
• Integrity – They are trustworthy.
• Transparency – They are open and fair in their dealings. They
don’t take sides.
• Decision making- They have the ability to take decisions most
especially in difficult moments.
• Optimism- A leader must have a can-do spirit. They must be able
to motivate and inspire others.
• Empathetic- Leaders must be able to connect with their team
emotionally. Understand their pains and put others in their own
shoes.
My Desired Personal Brand
I believe that looking good is good business. Your appearance goes a
long way in telling people who you are. So, for me, I like looking good.
Not necessarily flashy or expensive, but looking sharp, clean, and well
dressed. Looking presentable, presents what you have to say.
I would also like to be a problem solver or a solution provider. That
person you can talk to when you have issues. Approachable person,
team player and a motivator.
Lifelong learning would broaden my horizon on different facets of life,
and enhance my leadership skills. This will eventually help me reach my
desired personal brand.
