LEADERSHIP
19
number of We Are Social offices across four continents
2008
the year We Are Social was co-founded by Nathan McDonald and Robin Grant
The board communication playbook McDonald has amassed his fair share of experience in the area of board communication , having co-founded We Are Social in 2008 and witnessed it grow into a 1,300-person organisation spanning four continents . These days , it forms part of Plus Company , a unique partnership of forward-thinking creative agencies .
This , inevitably , means McDonald has developed his own methods for communicating effectively with members of the board , including the parent board at Plus Company .
“ It ' s important to go into meetings with a clear , focused story and key messages in mind ,” he explains .
“ My modus operandi is to identify the most critical issues and construct a compelling narrative around them . Thinking through how to convey the importance of each topic helps me effectively direct the discussion .”
Other key entries in McDonald ’ s board communication playbook include :
• Lead board members through the logic and analysis behind recommendations , rather than just presenting data
• Tell a cohesive story to help the board grasp why certain actions are being taken and why they matter
• Make an effort to anticipate questions and concerns , so you are prepared to address them
58 December 2023