I am in a Facebook group for public relations professionals. I rarely get anything out of this group but I don’t contribute anything so I can’t complain. Why am I a part of it? I want to stay in the know – I want to be aware of what others are struggling to accomplish, what they consider to be a success, I’m keen to read their questions and I watch their tone with replies. What has this borderline-stalking taught me? That some PAOs are ok making donuts.
No two PAO positions are the same but stress levels remain comparable across the board. Many commanders expect a PAO to produce tangible products, predict exact results, and maintain quantitative numbers for continuous analytical monitoring. I get it – sometimes it’s easier to follow expectations (like taking photos of a change of command) rather than educating and advocating for the work your organization needs you focused on.
Being a PAO is demanding work – you have to create and maintain relationships, stay in the know, maintain a strong team, support the commander, all while keeping a watchful eye on changing technology, innovative communication solutions, evolving goals and mission of your organization and the ever-changing perception from the American public.
With urban warfare, violent protests, increasing Russian aggression, stalled peace negotiations in Afghanistan, and rising concern over COVID-19, there is a lot of room for communication error. PAOs don’t have that luxury – our organizations depend on us, whether they realize it or not.
There is zero space for any of us to simply be ‘making the donuts.’ If you feel like you’re stuck in a monotonous routine, conduct a gut check and determine if you’re properly aligned to the organizational vision. Remind yourself of the ‘why’.
Read Dave’s post, In Our Defense for additional motivation. But know PAOs don’t suck – we’re very good at what we do – so get back in the game and make your service worthwhile.
Photo Credit: Lance Cpl. Aaron Harshaw
