What does a tandem bicycle have to do with public relations? Good communication.
My husband and I are avid cyclists. While we each own and frequently ride single bicycles, our favorite thing to do on weekends is to take our tandem out for a spin. We do the typical married couple thing – he’s the captain and I’m the stoker. And before you ask, yes, I do pedal. (Seriously, people, it’s time to think of some other witty remark to make to couples on a tandem.)
For those of you who have never had the pleasure of riding on a bicycle built for two, you need to understand something that may not be immediately evident. While we’re cruising down the highway I can’t see a single thing in front of me except my husband’s back. It’s a good thing I trust him! Obviously, he needs to talk to me or the ride could be my last. Picture hitting train tracks at 20 miles an hour without any notice. You can only hope to be holding on tight if it happens. Far better is fair warning from the guy up front. Bump coming! Or imagine a sudden downshift when you’re not expecting it. Whoops-a-daisy.
It all comes down to effective communication. Interestingly, given what I do for a living, I’ve noticed many similarities between best practices on a tandem and in the world of public relations. Riders and clients alike appreciate it when you keep these points front and center:
- Anticipation – keep your eyes on the road ahead and know what’s coming
- Timeliness – warnings that come after the big bump are useless
- Clarity – there’s a big difference between riding through a gentle swale and landing in a full-blown pothole
- Steadiness – changes made on a last-second whim can be treacherous
- Reliability – trust is the most important thing two people on a tandem share; clients and colleagues feel the same way
- Integrity – make good decisions, and flaunt the rules of the road at your peril
The final observation I’d make about the similarity between riding a tandem and practicing public relations? In either case, be ready to go like a bat out of hell on the downhills and prepare yourself for the inevitable uphill challenge. Happy trails!