In this follow-up to the long-term planning conversation, Tara McDonagh tackles a common but critical gap for communications leaders: having a strategy… that only exists in your head.
You know where the function needs to go. You're making decisions based on it every day. But without documenting and aligning it with your organization, that strategy can't build authority, secure resources, or shape how leadership experiences communications.
This episode explores why that happens, what it costs, and how to move from a mental plan to a strategic framework that actually works inside your organization.
In this episode, Tara explores:
- Why a "mental strategy" isn't enough at senior levels
- The concept of advisory debt and how it limits authority
- The real reasons strategy stays undocumented
- What a written strategy actually does for your role and reputation
- Why plans fail (and end up sitting on a shelf)
- How to build alignment and keep strategy active
- Where to start when you're ready to get it out of your head
The strategy in your head is a starting point.
Authority is built when others can see it, align to it, and work from it.
Keep advising. Always keep advising.
Visit taramcdonagh.com to learn more about working with Tara or sign up for her newsletter on advancing as a Communications Business Advisor, Level Up: Be Extra, and her Raise the Tide™ emails for women in the field.
This episode is sponsored by Raise the Tide™, a professional development ecosystem for women in communications — helping them grow, connect, and lead with confidence through mentorship, coaching, professional development, and community.
If you found this episode valuable, please rate and review — it helps more communicators find the show and strengthens our collective voice.
Until next time, keep advising. Always keep advising.
