Gregory Mallardi

Communication by Design

Here are some unconventional communication strategies I'd love to see administrators try four 'out of the box' communication strategies:

  • May 12, 2025 at 7:33 AM
  • Visible to public
Here are some unconventional communication strategies I'd love to see administrators try:
  1. Reverse Q&A: Host a session where staff or students ask you questions, but with a twist - you're not allowed to give direct answers. Instead, you respond with more questions, encouraging them to think critically and find their own solutions.
  2. Storytelling Sessions: Use narrative techniques to convey important messages or policies. Share personal anecdotes, case studies, or fictional stories that illustrate key points, making them more relatable and memorable.
  3. Visual Journaling: Create a visual journal or graphic novel that chronicles important events, milestones, or challenges faced by the institution. This can be a unique way to reflect on progress and share experiences.
  4. "Day-in-the-Life" Shadowing: Invite staff or students to shadow you for a day, and vice versa. This can foster empathy and understanding between different roles and departments.
  5. Gamified Feedback: Develop a game or interactive platform where staff or students can provide feedback and suggestions. This can make the process more engaging and encourage participation.
  6. "What If?" Scenarios: Present hypothetical scenarios that challenge conventional thinking and encourage creative problem-solving. This can help build a culture of innovation and forward thinking.
  7. Art-Based Expression: Use art, music, or other creative mediums to convey messages or gather feedback. This can be a powerful way to tap into emotions and imagination.
  8. "Behind-the-Scenes" Tours: Offer guided tours of administrative offices or departments, showcasing the work that goes on behind the scenes. This can help build transparency and trust.
  9. "Lunch and Learn" Series: Host informal sessions where staff or students can share their expertise or interests. This can foster a sense of community and cross-functional learning.
  10. Experimental Prototyping: Develop prototypes or pilot projects that test new communication strategies or technologies. This can help identify effective approaches and iterate on improvements.
These ideas can help administrators think outside the box and find innovative ways to connect with their audience. I truly believe with this unconventional communication strategies, faculty members will feel more comfortable communicating with administration. Also, it might allow administration to become more more open minded and approachable. Especially, if administration has been following the same protocol year after year.