The path to succes in Public Affairs can be more challenging than many may think – but there are new ways to increase performance

Succes in Public Affairs today is more demanding than ever. Today, understanding business, change management and organisational psychology is just as important as being well-connected. Or maybe that’s not even true. It’s more important. Internal succes surpasses external succes. If there is a lack of a Public Affairs culture internally, than it will eventually obstruct and poison everything you do externally – otherwise it will eat your legitimacy. You need to understand how the Public Affairs functions internally, and then recruit for that context. Not the other way around.

 

Lack of internal legitimacy is the number one reason that Public Affairs professionals fail. But often they don’t even know it. Before it’s too late.

From 15+ years of experience working in and with the Public Affairs discipline, I know that the challenges come in many forms – and more often than many think, the are formed by internal factors. But sometimes it can be difficult to discuss these challenges with a colleague and have an honest conversation when your promotion, salary or responsibilities may influence the conversation.

 

From my experience from executing, advising and lecturing about Public Affairs, I have learned which factors lead to increased performance. And you can too.