20-Minute Mentors

From Chaos to Clarity: Transparent Communication Strategies for Leaders

In this 20-Minute Mentor, higher-ed leaders learn how to communicate with clarity, empathy, and consistency to maintain trust and alignment during times of crisis and uncertainty.

Purchase Options

From Chaos to Clarity: Transparent Communication Strategies for Leaders 

When uncertainty strikes, ineffective communication can quickly erode trust and amplify confusion across campus. In higher education—where safety, credibility, and shared purpose are essential—leaders often face intense pressure to communicate quickly, even when information is incomplete. Without a clear, empathetic approach, crises such as public health emergencies, campus safety incidents, budget cuts, or protests can lead to misinformation, misalignment, and lasting damage to institutional confidence.

In this 20-Minute Mentor, higher-ed leaders gain practical, people-centered strategies for communicating with clarity, empathy, and consistency during times of crisis. You’ll learn how to anticipate common communication breakdowns, apply a proven framework for proactive crisis messaging, and keep stakeholders informed and aligned under pressure. Designed for presidents, provosts, deans, and senior administrators, this program equips leaders to steady their institutions, strengthen credibility, and build resilience through transparent communication—during crises and beyond.

After viewing this Magna 20-Minute Mentor, participants will be able to: 

  • Explain the role of transparent communication in maintaining trust and stability during higher education crises
  • Identify common communication challenges that undermine effective crisis response
  • Apply key principles of transparent, empathetic, and consistent communication in leadership contexts
  • Analyze crisis scenarios to determine appropriate messages, audiences, and communication channels
  • Develop a proactive framework for crisis communication that supports institutional goals and community needs

TOPICS COVERED 

  • Defining transparent communication and its impact on institutional credibility
  • Recognizing common communication pitfalls that escalate confusion during crises
  • Applying core principles of effective crisis communication
  • Building a proactive, people-centered crisis communication plan aligned across leadership and departments
  • Learning from a real-world case example to translate insight into actionable leadership practices

AUDIENCE

This program will benefit:

  • Presidents and Chancellors
  • Provosts and Vice Presidents
  • Deans and Associate Deans
  • Chief Communications and Marketing Officers
  • Student Affairs and Campus Life Leaders
  • Human Resources and Employee Relations Leaders
  • Department Chairs and Program Directors

Product Code: OM25CD

Campus Access License

With the purchase of the optional Campus Access License, registrants are granted a license to download the program contents to a password-protected network, server, or website for additional staff use. You will receive information on downloading the contents of the program within 3-5 business days after payment has been received by Magna.

Meet Your Presenter

Your Presenter

Molly Kerby

Read More

Purchase Options

*On-demand access begins on date of purchase.

If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may cancel the order within 30 days of purchase and receive a full refund.

More Resources

20-Minute Mentors

Group Subscription Options