The Busy Season

Written By Stefanie Leiter

What is your mission?

Does it align with your tasks?

I learn a lot about myself professionally when I get back into the fall semester. As a full-time tenured communication professor at a small private university, the one-on-one attention to students takes priority. Students are not paying to go to a small school for the impersonal interactions outside the classrooms. They want to know their faculty, the staff, and other peers.

But this takes sacrifice away from what I identify is my main focus: the academic content. I argue against this being my main task when I think about our mission: educating students for a life of faith and service in the church and society. Without relational connection inside AND oustide the classroom, the mission is unfulfilled.

When I have students pop by with lunch to just sit and talk, I am fulfilling the mission. When I have a staff member and friend come by to talk through a hard time in their personal life, I am fulfilling the mission. When I open my office for feedback sessions on projects that turn into longer days than I planned, I am fulfilling the mission.

Do you find yourself fulfilling the mission at your organization? Can you identify your mission and cite it by memory? If not, reach out to Stef. I can help with a mission & vision session to make sure even through chaotic seasons, you are sharp and focused on the mission.

Stefanie Leiter

My professional journey is rooted in strategic public relations, with a particular emphasis on proaction versus reaction. I believe that effective communication requires a deeper understanding of the impact on audience engagement. Recognizing the importance of global perspectives, I leverage my certification as a Cultural Intelligence (CQ) facilitator to integrate cross-cultural competency into all facets of my work, ensuring inclusive and impactful communication strategies.

My specialization in internal communications stems from a deep understanding of its critical role in organizational success. I am passionate about delivering tailored solutions that foster robust employee engagement, drive retention, and build resilient organizations prepared for potential crises. This includes developing proactive crisis communication plans that mitigate risk and maintain stakeholder trust. Furthermore, I contribute to leadership development by equipping leaders with the communication skills necessary to inspire and guide their teams.

In the academic sphere, I am dedicated to preparing the next generation of communication professionals. Through the implementation of client-based projects and interactive learning methodologies, I strive to bridge the gap between theory and practice. My goal is to equip students with the practical skills, critical thinking abilities, and ethical awareness necessary to thrive in a dynamic and competitive industry, empowering them to pursue fulfilling and purposeful careers.

StrengthsFinder Top 5: Discipline, Achiever, Context, Strategic, Learner

Enneagram: 2w1

https://shapingcommunication.com
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Placing Intelligence Behind Culture