The NASPP Blog

For today’s “Meet the Speaker “interview, we feature an interview with Patricia Brown of Solium, who will lead the session “‘Getting’ Performance Awards: Building an Effective Communication Strategy for Your Participants.” Here is what Patricia had to say:

NASPP: What are a few key areas your panel will address with respect to your topic?

Patricia: Our panel will examine the different types of communication methods being used by corporate issuers with respect to performance grants, as well as provide recommendations on what to communicate to participants to clarify and convey the importance of these awards. Additionally, Craig Sidell from the NY Times will share how and what his company is communicating to their participants.

NASPP: What is the biggest challenge companies face?

Patricia: The biggest challenge for companies is how and what to communicate to their participants on performance grants to ensure they understand the value of the grants as well as how the grants and their corresponding performance metrics align with the company goals and strategic initiatives. Often this can be a communication challenge on many fronts for the company. They not only have to decide how and what to communicate to ensure the grants’ intended benefit is achieved but they are often constrained by what information can be provided, especially when using technology to provide the communication. Often there are technical limitations as to what information can be displayed and presented to the participant. This results in companies using additional communications methods to supplement. This can lead to further challenges with communication. Bi-bifurcated communication can leave the end participant confused as to the primary source of information and its accuracy.

NASPP: What is the silver lining to your topic?

Patricia: With all of the challenges, it’s easy for a company to get discouraged when it comes to communicating performance grants, but companies shouldn’t throw in the towel by any means! As the workforce becomes more and more tech savvy and technology tools become more flexible, our ability to communicate unique information is expanding. Many online tools are becoming more sophisticated and are allowing companies to communicate their specific needs to their participants. Using multiple communication methods, while challenging, can be complimentary to each other when done thoughtfully based on your company goals and your audience.

NASPP: What is your favorite NASPP Conference memory?

Patricia: My favorite NASPP Conference memory is from the 2006 NASPP Conference in Las Vegas since that is when I accepted my current role with Solium as head of Product Management, plus it was a great venue, and the Conference was packed with many informative sessions. While those who know me, know how much I love to fly–NOT!–it was a wonderful location and Conference. I still hear people mention that Conference all these years later!

About the NASPP Conference
The 21st Annual NASPP Conference will be held from September 23-26 in Washington, DC. This year’s program features 60+ sessions on today’s most timely topics in stock compensation; check out the full agenda and register today! You don’t want to miss Patricia’s session, “‘Getting’ Performance Awards: Building an Effective Communication Strategy for Your Participants.”