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November 12, 2020
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Being a great reporter, editor or producer may get you promoted, but the skills that got you there are only a starting point for being a great manager. If you’re a great interviewer, use your listening skills to understand what your team needs. If you have a great eye for visuals, observe the body language and watch the tone shifts to understand how your team feels. And communicate. Convey what you’re learning, check in, and begin to develop tools for helping others succeed — your most important job as a leader.  

Advice from Jill Geisler, Bill Plante Chair in Leadership & Media Integrity, Loyola University Chicago, Freedom Forum Fellow in Women’s Leadership

Click here to read Jill’s previous posts.
The holiday season is almost here, which has many of us wondering if we can safely celebrate with family and friends. 

Experts continue to warn that in-person gatherings contribute to the virus’ spread. And the CDC recommends keeping the festivities virtual or within your own household. 

But if your plans do include expanding beyond your “pod,” here are a few ways to minimize risk:

  • Have an honest conversation with potential guests on what preventative measures — mask-wearing, physical distancing, handwashing — everyone is taking leading up to the event. Do this as soon as possible to determine whether it makes sense to meet in person.
  • Be candid about what you are comfortable with and don’t take it personally if others disagree. Here are tips for when your practices don’t align. (Remember that it is better to be overly cautious and avoid the gathering altogether than go beyond your comfort level.)  
  • Understand the level of infection rates in the area where you plan to celebrate. If cases are peaking in your location, consider a virtual party instead.
  • Ask everyone to get a COVID test (and quarantine) before the visit. If they refuse, politely explain that it is a requirement to join.
  • If you are hosting out-of-town guests, remember to discuss the risks of exposure during travel. Here are suggestions for having overnight guests in your home.
  • Determine what rules to set during the gathering in advance. Will everyone wear masks? Do you live in a climate that allows for outdoor dining? If you can’t be outside, will the windows be open? How long will you be together inside? 
  • Familiarize yourself — and others — on how to safely prepare food, especially during a pandemic. Or suggest that guests bring their own food and drink.

The CDC also recommends that the following individuals avoid in-person gatherings:


Read on for more self-care tips, or share how you are taking care of yourself right now.
This newsletter is written & edited by the National Press Club Journalism Institute staff: Beth Francesco, Holly Butcher Grant, and Julie Moos. Send us your questions and suggestions for topics to cover.

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