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Taking a Closer Look: The Brilliance of the Sandy Hook Promise PSA

December 16, 2016Lori Rohrbach

mac4-whatwedoRecently, the Sandy Hook Promise Group – a gun violence prevention organization formed as a result of the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting – released a PSA that is so creative and clever that it has the Internet buzzing.

“Evan” – created by BBDO New York, shows the developing high school romance between a boy and a girl who communicate by writing messages to each other on a library desk. Neither knows who the other is, and the pair finally meet at a yearbook signing where the girl recognizes the boy’s handwriting.

The twist comes at the end, where a lone student enters the cafeteria with a rifle and begins shooting. It’s a shock, as a budding romance is doomed to tragedy.

The brilliance of the PSA comes next, as the story is replayed, but focusing on a student who was in the background the entire time.  The twist is that this student, who is ignored, displays traits of violence and a penchant for guns.

It’s a powerful message—showing that the signs of gun violence exist, but they are easily overlooked.  By providing this different perspective, the creative team and their client deliver a gut-wrenching punch.  You never saw it coming, but when you do, all you can think is, “I should have noticed that before.”

What the Sandy Hook Promise Group and BBDO did was creative, innovative and powerful.  This PSA delivers an unforgettable message by looking at a story from two perspectives – and in doing so, opens both the eyes of the audience and the platform for discussion.

See the PSA here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8syQeFtBKc

When creating your messaging, remember that sometimes, it’s appropriate to look from many perspectives.  In doing so, you can make your audience notice things about your organization, team or function – or you — they had not noticed before.

 

Author: Robin Imbesi

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Eight Work-From-Home Etiquette Tips

Eight Work-From-Home Etiquette Tips

 

Whether telecommuting is old hat or something you’ve been forced into as part of the COVID-19 shutdown, here are a few tips to make the experience run smoothly for both employers and employees.

 

Managing expectations

Successful work-from-home strategies always begin with clearly communicated expectations. Make sure your employees have any necessary equipment, tools and resources.  Will they need to track their time? Participate in regularly scheduled meetings? Be available at certain times of day? For employees, know what you’re accountable for and clearly communicate any challenges you’re having.

 

Constant communication

Keep the lines of communication open and be accessible. Check in with employees regularly through apps like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts and Skype, or even an old-fashioned email or phone call. Be genuinely interested in how they’re doing but don’t overdo it. Foster a feeling of trust by not micromanaging.

 

Nine to five…ish

While having a daily schedule is ideal, it may not always be practical right now. Make sure your people know when you need them to be available and try to offer flexibility at other times. They may be juggling school schedules as well as work schedules and working at “off-shift” times may be necessary. Be mindful of employees in different time zones as well.

 

For employees, try to work when you’re at your best, and not when you’re exhausted by kindergarten playtime and fourth grade math. Make sure people know if you will be unavailable at certain times.

 

Taking a break

Getting up and moving clears the head and helps with creativity and problem-solving. Whether it’s a walk around the block or a break for lunch, make time to get away from your desk throughout the day.

 

Signing off

Working from home does not mean being available 24/7. Set an actual end to the workday if possible. Don’t send and respond to messages at all hours. Sign out of messaging apps and close work programs. Understand and respect these boundaries.

 

Location, location, location

When setting up a home office, think about where you will have the fewest distractions – for yourself and for those who may be seeing you and your background on a video conferencing platform. Try to avoid busy spots that may include semi-clad people walking behind you, barking dogs and kids vying for your attention.

 

Conferencing and calls

Be clear about whether you expect people to turn on their cameras during meetings. If so, be clear about how they should be dressed. During calls, mute your phone when you’re not talking to avoid background noise. Headphones can also help with call quality. When speaking, pause frequently so others can participate in the conversation.

 

Social engagement

It’s ok for managers and employees to have some down time together, which may help ward off feelings of isolation. Keep up your normal level of interaction, perhaps with a virtual coffee break or happy hour. Managers should set the tone for how casual to be. Let employees choose what they would like to share, and never pry into areas that were off-limits before.

 

 

Author: Erin Alderfer

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