Posts in: Tools & Resources

Tools & Resources
Creating Space for Constructive Conflict
When Conflict Shows Up
What do you do when conflict crops up? Maybe you’re in a meeting making a decision, and things get heated. Or maybe you’re talking with a colleague or neighbor and all of sudden, they say something you deeply disagree with. Or perhaps it’s the classic holiday dinner example, where everyone avoids certain topics, so that you can all g...

Tools & Resources
Inside the Message Box: Comparing 'Benefits' and 'So What'
I was recently facilitating a virtual workshop and a participant asked me to dive deeper into what differentiates the So What? and the Benefits sections of COMPASS's Message Box. The distinction between these two trapezoids—thanks, middle school geometry—is subtle, and they frequently overlap, but parsing out the difference between the two can be a valuab...

Media Tips
Op-Ed Writing: It's OK to Argue for something
Expressing perspectives, opinions or even recommendations about the implications of your science can be a bit uncomfortable, even scary in politically charged times like we are in now. But if you want your science to be relevant and useful, you need to make sure it gets out of pages of peer-reviewed journals or organization reports and into real-world discussions. ...

Bridging Communities
Bridging Science & Policy with Emily Patrolia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKUfSw2WLFg
In this insightful interview, COMPASS's Heather Mannix speaks with Emily Patrolia, founder and CEO of ESP Advisors and a COMPASS board member, about the crucial role of science and scientists in informing policy decisions.
They explore the current challenges and opportunities scientists face in engaging with policy...

Tools & Resources
FAQ: How Do I Change My Messaging for Different Audiences?
It may seem simpler to craft one message for everyone, but humans are complex and bring different values, priorities, and experiences to their interactions with you. Adapting your message for each audience addresses those differences and allows you to connect more deeply with them. ...

Tools & Resources
Before the Message: Creating a Strategic Communication Plan (Video)
In this webinar recording, we work through the process of building a strategic communication plan that centers your goals and audience(s), including articulating your reason for communicating, identifying your key audiences and their motivations, and brainstorming where and how to reach them....