This was handwritten on a sheet of printer paper, hanging on the fire alarm panel in our cafeteria, for several months over the spring and summer.
We could start by asking if this “messaging strategy” was correct, clear, and clean. The intended action was defined, but of course some factors were not considered. Context: Is it broken, or just undergoing tests? Should I still disregard the alarm if I smell smoke? If I hear an alarm and know the sign’s been up several months, can I assume the alarm is fixed and someone just forgot to remove the paper? How long does it take to fix an alarm, anyway? What about all the people who won’t look at the fire alarm panel when the alarm goes off?
None of these questions need to be answered. Just fix the damn alarm.
I, as a PAO and a leader in my organization, did not call anyone and say, “This broken alarm and handwritten sign situation tells every cafeteria visitor that our organization is lackadaisical and unprofessional. Let’s fix this.”
But I should have.
Action is the best message.
