Values and Principles

Our work is grounded in research and best practice.

Effective communications is both science and art. Research from the cognitive and social sciences tell us a lot about how Americans think about a range of social issues. We apply the relevant research findings to our well-honed creative strategies.

We believe that every organization and community has assets that can be harnessed for positive impact. It is more challenging, but ultimately more effective, to uncover and foreground strengths and solutions, rather than deficits and problems.

We believe that context is key to good storytelling.

Media and organizational narratives typically focus narrowly on individual actors at specific times and places. Research suggests that this storytelling approach does not build public understanding. We help our clients “widen the lens” of their storytelling.

We honor local culture & wisdom.

In short, what works in Topeka may not work in Tallassee. We work alongside our clients, to learn what is important to them, and then translate that learning into place-specific strategies.

We believe that effective communications can lead to greater citizen engagement.

When citizens understand the collective dimensions of a problem, they are more likely to understand how their participation matters.

We believe that communications is a core competency for leadership in the 21st century.

We live in changing times, a fact that calls upon all of us to shed old ways of doing business. Knowing how to communicate well is one of the most important leadership skills for navigating uncertainty.