2019 MASTER COMMUNICATOR NOMINATION GUIDE

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2019 CHANGES

In 2018, IABC revamped the Fellows nomination process, designing a more objective 7-point scale to evaluate candidates and simplify the nomination process. In the spirit of inclusion, greater transparency, fairness, and helping colleagues grow their careers, IABC Canada’s Master Communicator program is now aligned with this process.

It is our hope that this simplified process makes it easier for IABC Canada members to identify and nominate candidates from our stellar pool of deserving communication professionals.

The Master Communicator (MC) designation is the highest recognition that IABC Canada bestows on its members, recognizing those who consistently make an outstanding contribution to the communication profession through exemplary achievement and unselfish service to IABC. In many ways, it’s a lifetime achievement award. The designation is awarded to individuals recognized by their peers as outstanding leaders in the profession. New MCs are proposed by the Master Communicator Committee and ratified by the Canada East and West Regional Boards with a two-thirds vote.

OVERVIEW

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BASIC CRITERIA

WHO QUALIFIES

• Members of IABC Canada in good standing

• Nominees must reside in Canada • It is preferred, not mandatory, that the

nominee has been a member of IABC for at least five years

• Members serving on boards, committees, or task forces at the local, national or international level are eligible for nomination

WHO CAN NOMINATE

• All active IABC Canada members, chapters and the regional boards

• Self-nomination is not allowed • Members of the MC Committee may not

nominate a candidate during their term

WHAT YOU NEED

The completed application form Your personal letter of recommendation that speaks to how the nominee demonstrates the IABC shared values and brand personality Letters of recommendation from four sponsors that support the nomination; one each for the following:

• Contribution to, and leadership in, organizational communication

• Career achievement • Authorship, speaking and lecturing • Contributions to IABC

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WHAT TO INCLUDE IN THE NOMINATION PACKAGE TOMBSTONE DATA • Nominee’s contact information [address, email,

phone] • Nominee’s IABC Chapter • Link to nominee’s LinkedIn profile (optional)

NARRATIVE

1. Describe the nominee’s contribution to the organizational communication field and profession (450-word max) [Indicate the impact the nominee has had on the practice of communication and on the communication profession.]

2. Describe the nominee’s leadership to the organizational communication field and profession (450-word max) [Indicate the impact the nominee has had on the practice of communication and on the communication profession.]

3. Career Achievement (450-word max) [List the nominee’s communication-related career achievements. Emphasize demonstrable results of the nominee’s communication efforts, scope of responsibilities, advancements, accreditation, recognition (e.g., awards), education and length of time in the profession.]

4. Authorship, speaking and lecturing (450-word max) [List books, articles, columns, research papers, seminars, workshops, keynotes, courses (traditional or online), blogs and podcasts (for non-IABC outlets). For academic nominees, please also include any professorships and other academic distinctions]

5. Contributions to IABC (450-word max) [Leadership chapter, region and international board levels, committee activity, other IABC volunteer efforts, presentations to chapters and regions, articles written for IABC publications and other IABC-related activities.]

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HOW NOMINATIONS ARE EVALUATED

Applications are scored by the MC Committee using the IABC rubric across the following areas:

1. Contribution to and leadership in the communication profession (20%)

2. Career achievement (20%)

3. Authorship, speaking and lecturing (20%)

4. Contributions to IABC (20%)

5. Demonstrated alignment with IABC shared values and brand personality (20%)

The Committee believes that it must be accountable and transparent for its decisions. In the spirit of coaching colleagues to strengthen career competencies, all nominees and nominators will receive written feedback.

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THE MASTER COMMUNICATOR RUBRIC (BASED ON THE IABC FELLOWS RUBRIC)

Contribution to and leadership in the communication profession (20%)

1 • Little evidence of impact on professional practice • Impact on profession is minimal (or unclear)

2 • Examples provided of how this person has impacted the profession, but the scale of the impact is unclear

3 • Examples provided of how this person has impacted the profession, but the scale of the impact is unclear

4 • Some evidence that professional practice has been impacted thanks to this person • Impact has a reach that extends across limited borders (chapter or region)

5 • Sufficient evidence that professional practice has been impacted by this person • A reliable presence in the profession • Impact at a variety of levels • Leadership roles

6 • A clear case made for a wide-ranging impact on the communication profession • A sustained contribution to professional practice through their work • Impact across multiple areas (including online) • A leading example as a mentor/volunteer

7 • The practice of professional communication has changed because of this person • Ground breaking impact on the profession over a significant period of time • This person has provided insights/research /professional application that has influenced how communication professionals go about their

work • Impact reaches a global scale

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Career achievement (20%)

1 • Career journey and growth unclear • No evidence of dedication to professional development • Career advancement not evident

2 • Some background provided on career trajectory, but no overall progression clear • Some professional development indicators

3 • Positions held do not demonstrate a trajectory of increasing responsibility • Limited evidence of impact on organizations • Limited professional development indicators

4 • Some evidence of a solid professional journey • Consistent level of responsibility within professional roles • A clear professional development trajectory • Some career achievements/impact provided

5 • Professional trajectory is clear; some evidence of advancement across positions • Impact of work is presented for most roles • Evidence of commitment to professional development • Potential indicators: Ongoing professional development, local or regional awards of excellence

6 • A strong career journey, with increasing responsibility and scope in positions held • Significant achievements evident across many positions • Holds a professional accreditation / certification • Some evidence of professional awards of excellence • Potential indicators: Accreditation or certification, awards of excellence at local or regional level

7 • An accomplished professional journey, from foundation to business advisor • An outstanding contribution to all organizations in/for which they’ve worked • A dedication to professional development through certification, accreditation and training • Significant impact on colleagues and teams led • Impressive recognition in professional global/regional awards of excellence

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Authorship, speaking and lecturing (20%)

1 • Contributions unclear

2 • A very limited presence; one or two avenues at most • Very low recognition in the profession

3 • Some presence in a few avenues, but not a significant contribution • Some recognition in a limited scope

4 • Ongoing contributions to various avenues; may be limited to one of two • Some recognition for contributions

5 • Multiple contributions across limited avenues • Recognized at a regional or local level for thought leadership • Potential indicators: Workshops, lectures

6 • Significant contributions across multiple avenues • Recognition as a leader within the profession for insights and thought leadership • Potential indicators: published articles

7 • A prolific contribution to the profession across the spectrum of avenues • A constant and reliable presence in the profession over a sustained period • Recognized as an industry icon • Potential indicators: Published book, communication training, speaking engagements, taught university classes

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Contributions to IABC (20%)

1 • Contributions very limited or not present at all

2 • Some level of contribution, but impact is not clearly presented

3 • A limited impact on the association (perhaps at just one level) • Limited recognition for contribution

4 • A good level of commitment at one or more levels of the association • Some impact is clear; contribution has been acknowledged

5 • Strong contributions at one or more levels of the association • Impact on IABC is visible • Potential indicators: Chapter level involvement and recognition

6 • Strong commitment at multiple levels of the association • Clear examples of leadership and impact • A strong supporter of the association and its programs • Potential indicators: Regional level recognition

7 • An outstanding level of commitment; most likely at all levels of the association • Has gone above and beyond the call of a volunteer leader; this over a sustained period of time • An advocate for the association; an IABC visionary • A recognized presence within IABC • Potential indicators: International level recognition

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Demonstrated alignment with IABC shared values and brand personality (20%)

1 • Little to no evidence of alignment with values and personality

2 • Very few examples of how this person embodies IABC’s shared values and personality

3 • Some application of IABC’s shared values • Limited demonstration of behaviours within IABC’s brand personality

4 • Some, but not all the elements of IABC’s shared values present • Characteristics and behaviours of brand personality are present in some measure

5 • A keen promoter of IABC’s shared values • Good evidence of how this person lives the behaviours within IABC’s brand personality • Potential indicators: Committee leadership

6 • A strong proponent of IABC’s shared values • Seen as a role model exemplifying the behaviours in IABC’s brand personality • A member that IABC is proud to have • Potential indicators: Mentorship

7 • This person fully embodies IABC’s shared values • A beacon for upholding the behaviours within IABC’s brand personality • Potential indicators: Has won one or more award from IABC or another organization, widely respected leader sought for ongoing

participation and counsel.

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IABC BRAND VALUES We represent the global profession. As the only global communication association, we strive to advocate for the profession, represent best practices, define the global standard, and live by a code of ethics.

We create connection. We connect business and communication and connect people with communication. We foster community, build special relationships and learn from each other.

We are a diverse community. We welcome diverse communication professionals of all levels and practices. We embrace diverse viewpoints, encourage conversation and celebrate cultural differences.

We focus on insights and results. We position communication as a strategic function that has impact on return-on-investment and demonstrate the business value of communication.

The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is a welcoming community that supports, develops, and connects communication professionals around the world. We are committed to embracing the diversity and inclusion of all people.

IABC BRAND PERSONALITY Characteristic What it meansAccessible Collaborative, supportive, consultativeOpen Transparent, direct, open-mindedLighter Fun, friendly, welcoming

Contemporary Current, leading-edgeProfessional Effective and efficient

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How to submit your nomination

Note: Your nominee must be accredited as an ABC or certified as an SCMP

1. Prepare the nomination package

See Page 4 of this document describing the tombstone data and the outline for the narrative. Be sure to address every section and stay within the required word count for each.

2. Working with your nominee, recruit four sponsors who will write a letter of recommendation, one each focusing on the following topics:• Contribution to and leadership in organizational

communication• Career achievement• Authorship, speaking, and lecturing• Contributions to IABC

Sponsors should also address the nominee’s alignment with IABC’s brand values and personality. Your four sponsor letters are part of your submission package.

3. Write your letter of recommendation focusing on your nominee’s alignment with brand values and personality.

Your nomination package should contain the following material:• Your letter of recommendation• The nominee’s tombstone data and your written narrative• The nominee’s current CV • Four sponsor letters as noted above

4. Send the package to Claire Watson, ABC, MC at claire@cropleycomms.com

Key dates

Monday, June 24: Call for nominationsMonday, September 9: Nominations closeFriday, September 27: Evaluations completeMonday, September 30: Regional boards ratify selectionWednesday, October 2: Notification to nomineesThursday, October 3: Public announcement of new MCs

Your 2019 Master Communicator Committee

Chair: Claire Watson, ABC, MCPast chair: Lynn Barter, ABC, MCVice-chair: Martha Muzychka, ABC, MC, IABC FellowMembers: Sue Hueman, ABC, MC Cyrus Mavalwala, ABC, MC Ivan Muzychka, ABC, MCBoard Liaisons: Sue Ridewood, ABC, Canada West Sherrilynn Starkie, Canada East

Please email any questions, comments or feedback to Claire Watson at claire@cropleycomms.com.