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Last week it was announced that her co-host  Michael Strahan would be exiting from the show and heading to Good Morning America. This led to Kelly’s absence from the host chair and a trove of rumors and stories.  After a controversial week with guest  hosts sitting in on the ABC morning show ‘Live with Kelly and Michael’, host Kelly Ripa returned. Kelly opened with the following words:

“What transpired over the course of a few days has been extraordinary, in the sense that it started a much larger conversation about communication and consideration and most importantly respect in the workplace. And since we’re being honest, I don’t consider this just a workplace. This is my second home. This is a place that I’ve devoted myself to, not just because of you, our loyal viewers, but because of all of the producers and the crew who work on this show. We have an incredible team. We are incredibly devoted to one another. We are family.Our parent company has assured me that Live is a priority,Guys, calm down they didn’t say anything about Christmas bonuses. I am thrilled for Michael. I am thrilled for you. This is a tremendous opportunity and I couldn’t be, and we couldn’t be, prouder of you and everything we’ve accomplished together, this is entertainment, it’s supposed to be entertaining, so let’s get back to what we do best and start the show.”

Obviously, what  was at the crux of this public relations nightmare was the lack of communication.

Communication is about more than just exchanging information. It’s about understanding the emotion and intentions behind the information. Effective communication is also a two-way street. It’s not only how you convey a message so that it is received and understood by someone in exactly the way you intended, it’s also how you listen to gain the full meaning of what’s being said and to make the other person feel heard and understood.

Effective communication is the glue that helps you deepen your connections to others and improve teamwork, decision making, and problem solving.

Confidential discussions had to have been  held before Michael  accepted his GMA. The fire in-house may have been squelched had the management team above  assured Kelly and  workers  that no matter what happened,  the company still stood with them. Michael’s move from The Live to GMA flagship show could have been interpreted as  management wanting to disassemble the show.

Over the years I have come to understand just how important professional communication is. When you are forthcoming with the team they manage expectations appropriately.Every organization I’ve worked with has people throughout the employee base who are unsung heroes of brand and cultural ambassadorship. These are people who love the company and its core purpose.

Kelly is ‘Live’.  It was clear that  Kelly felt uncertain and in turn this leaked outside.

Kelly took the appropriate stance when she sat at the host table and turned to Michael and said,”I am thrilled for you This is a tremendous opportunity and I couldn’t be prouder of you, and everything we accomplished together.”

I applaud her coming out to the cameras this morning and addressing the public and the staff. It sent a clear ambassadorship message.