The Glass Half Full Ideology
"What personality qualities or job skills do you think are vital for PR professionals to succeed?"
This is a question I asked Kevin Kennedy on January 10, 2020.
Kevin took a second to think. He lifted his index finger and pointed. He pointed at his water glass sitting on the table and said, "What's that?"
A huge takeaway from my conversation with Kevin was the glass half full ideology. He continued, "If you think that’s half empty, that’s a problem."
"Because in a lot of ways, we’re competitive. And I think you have to have a level of competitiveness, and in some ways the best times still are when I’m so happy for one of my people who landed a story. The whole attitude that 'I’m going to find a way to do it.' You gotta go with the attitude. We’re going to find a way."
When all the cards are stacked against you, stay positive. Think of how you are going to face the new challenge and overcome it. Here are a few examples on how you can apply the glass half full ideology:
You've been trying to land a pitch for a couple weeks now. You've put your heart and soul into getting your client into this big publication. A colleague lands their second big publication this month. Let them know how amazing that is for them, the client, and the team as a whole! Take it another step forward. Ask them how they did it? You might find a new strategy!
You present an idea to your boss. You're really excited about it and have the idea to perfection. Your boss makes comments on just about everything on how to improve the work, and tells you why certain components just won't work. Take that constructive criticism and apply it. 9/10 that boss is telling you these things because they have been in your shoes and want to help you succeed. Reassess, recharge, and try again when the time is right!
Here is an instance where timing came into play for Kevin: "Years ago, when websites and everything we're becoming bigger [I said] 'Let's have a look.' I remember sitting in around a conference table with the PR staff and I said, 'We have to get involved.' And you would have thought I had a third eye on my forehead! The looks I got from the room, like, 'what are you talking about? Why would you consider that?' They weren’t ready."
A great way to encourage others follow the glass half full ideology, is to be a cheerleader. Now I'm not saying you have to use the pom poms or perform gymnastics, but bring that encouraging, positive energy to your team members. Remind them their value. When a team member really nails something, reinforce that! It will further build their confidence and positivity throughout the day, and will likely create a domino effect of positivity.
The moral of the story is to stay positive. Keep your chin up. Find the silver lining. See the bright side. Find a way to make that glass half full.
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Kevin Kennedy is a Managing Partner and Executive Vice-President at Campbell Marketing and Communications. Kennedy has over 30 years in public relations experience. He is very insightful, kind, and positive every time you interact with him. Kennedy also has some pretty cool stories. A big thank you to Kevin Kennedy for taking the time to share your words of wisdom with me.
This is a question I asked Kevin Kennedy on January 10, 2020.
Kevin took a second to think. He lifted his index finger and pointed. He pointed at his water glass sitting on the table and said, "What's that?"
"That's a glass half full," I answered.
"That's it."
A huge takeaway from my conversation with Kevin was the glass half full ideology. He continued, "If you think that’s half empty, that’s a problem."
When all the cards are stacked against you, stay positive. Think of how you are going to face the new challenge and overcome it. Here are a few examples on how you can apply the glass half full ideology:
You've been trying to land a pitch for a couple weeks now. You've put your heart and soul into getting your client into this big publication. A colleague lands their second big publication this month. Let them know how amazing that is for them, the client, and the team as a whole! Take it another step forward. Ask them how they did it? You might find a new strategy!
You present an idea to your boss. You're really excited about it and have the idea to perfection. Your boss makes comments on just about everything on how to improve the work, and tells you why certain components just won't work. Take that constructive criticism and apply it. 9/10 that boss is telling you these things because they have been in your shoes and want to help you succeed. Reassess, recharge, and try again when the time is right!
"'It's not the right time' doesn't mean it's not a good idea. I've been doing this a long time, and I still have ideas I want to try!" – Kevin
Here is an instance where timing came into play for Kevin: "Years ago, when websites and everything we're becoming bigger [I said] 'Let's have a look.' I remember sitting in around a conference table with the PR staff and I said, 'We have to get involved.' And you would have thought I had a third eye on my forehead! The looks I got from the room, like, 'what are you talking about? Why would you consider that?' They weren’t ready."
A great way to encourage others follow the glass half full ideology, is to be a cheerleader. Now I'm not saying you have to use the pom poms or perform gymnastics, but bring that encouraging, positive energy to your team members. Remind them their value. When a team member really nails something, reinforce that! It will further build their confidence and positivity throughout the day, and will likely create a domino effect of positivity.
The moral of the story is to stay positive. Keep your chin up. Find the silver lining. See the bright side. Find a way to make that glass half full.
---
Kevin Kennedy is a Managing Partner and Executive Vice-President at Campbell Marketing and Communications. Kennedy has over 30 years in public relations experience. He is very insightful, kind, and positive every time you interact with him. Kennedy also has some pretty cool stories. A big thank you to Kevin Kennedy for taking the time to share your words of wisdom with me.
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