Simple, clear messaging This is what has been what has been so successful in New Zealand’’s pandemic so far. This is partly because the goal we were aiming for was clear – and that was elimination. And the Alert Level system was the process through which we got to that outcome. It was a complete […]
This psychologically-informed post offers suggestions for reframing the current narrative for strategic, high level Covid-19 communications. My analysis describes the current successful minority influence approach, but also the risks of continuing along this path. I propose moving from a story of safeguarding to a narrative of the potential benefits that are unlocked through vaccine uptake […]
I remember back to when I first started pushing back in Central Government on NZ on the idea that the Canterbury Earthquake recovery would be done in 2 years. This was the conversation that was happening in rooms in which I was being asked to provide advice, and appearing in documents too. One of the […]
The latest Auckland outbreak and the associated Level 3 restrictions can give us a clue as to just how transmissible the UK variant of the coronavirus can be in a school environment. This concerns me. The big bang approach to schools re-opening in England on March 8 was first going to be supported with mandatory […]
I REMEMBER CLEARLY saying to Sarah, my wife, in March 2020: “This is going to last a long time. My intention is to stick to the pillars of Structure and Empathy to guide the response and communication of it. I’m going to need your help. If I stray too far from that, can I please […]
It’s been over a month that by book Steady has been out, but it still gives me a kick seeing it out in shops, or people posting photos of where they’ve seen it, and when it’s arrived with them, or where they’ve bought it from. Have you seen my book yet? If so, be sure […]
On @Breakfaston1 this morning, talking about my experience working in the #covid19nz response and my new book, Steady: Keeping Calm in a World Gone Viral. Here’s some screen shots taken by Sarah at home, who was watching with the girls.
So very pleased to see an extract of my new book published in The Guardian today : Coronavirus is an existential crisis that comes from an awareness of your own freedoms | Dr Sarb Johal
It’s exciting to be able to let you know that my upcoming book is now available for global pre-order in both paperback and ebook formats. And of course, you can still buy it directly from me right here on my website. It’s loaded up into bookseller catalogues, so if you prefer to buy from an […]
If you are working in comms right now, be specific. Be clear. Be concrete. Double-check your information before you put it out – your memory might not be so great either – not your fault, that’s just how memories can be.