The current lockdown regulations have meant that many of us have been out of our buildings for a number of weeks, whether they be churches, charity offices or other places from where our projects are run. With the gradual lifting of restrictions you may be preparing to return. Alongside the relief and celebration, might you also be able to use this as an opportunity?
Being absent for a while may allow you to see where you work in a new light. Here are just a few things to look out for as you walk back through the doors, things that you may, through familarity, have previously become less aware of. Here I am focusing paticularly on signage and notices, which may have been left untouched since the buildings closed weeks ago. As you look at them again, with fresh eyes, some words to consider:
- Consistent? Do they all give the same message? This is not just about the factual information, but also about whether they demonstrate the same tone, style and underlying message. If you have a brand, do they reflect it?
- Welcoming? Does what people read reflect what you say about your welcome. For example, do your notices and signs focus on what people can do (come in, help yourself….) or what they can’t (don’t touch, strictly private….)?
- Comprehensible? Could a stranger to your buildng navigate them? For example, do they refer to places, things or people without clearly explaining who, what or where they can be found or contacted?
- Professional? Do they look good? How could they be made to move closer to the quality, impact and standard you might see in a local retail or corporate venue?
- Contemporary? Inevitably, given the recent closures, some will be now out of date, but others, even before Covid 19, may have been displayed for far too long, either advertising things that are long past or simply losing their impact because of over familiarity?
- Relevant? Does what is advertised focus on the activities and priorities of your organisation or have other people or special interest groups been allowed to ‘claim’ some of your precious space to promote other things?
Why not seize the opportunity to make some changes and see if others notice?
- This is adapted from material for a book ‘Speaking Chuch’, which I am currently writing.