The New York Times Magazine recently published a story about Humane Society President Wayne Pacelle that any corporate communications professional facing pressure from interest groups should read. The piece opens at the abandoned grounds of the Westland/Hallmark Meat Company in Chino California and recounts how a Humane Society undercover investigator surreptitiously taped so-called “downer” cattle wobbling and flopping on their way to the slaughterhouse. The ghoulish video was quickly posted on YouTube and Internet blogs around ... Read More

I know what you're thinking. You've conquered the blogosphere. You've "friended" colleagues to build your Facebook social network and you are LinkedIn up to your eyeballs. You have embraced the power of the Internet and effectively demonstrated your social media savvy. And now, just as you are about to pat yourself on the back for being ahead of the curve, the next new media craze becomes the talk of the office. At first, you convince yourself that you misunderstood the water cooler conversation. Your colleagues must ... Read More

In a high-anxiety environment – such as the one created by the current financial crisis – wild rumors all too often carry the weight of fact. When a company’s stakeholders hear troublesome news, they don’t have the luxury of waiting around for confirmation. They’ll opt for the knee-jerk reaction almost every time. Just ask Apple investors whose stock lost ten percent of its value in ten minutes after false reports that CEO Steve Jobs had ... Read More

  “Over-communicate in a crisis” – Jack Welch, former CEO of General Electric.  When United Airlines was forced to file for bankruptcy in December 2002, this sage advice served as the centerpiece of the company’s efforts to revive one of the most well-known and respected brands in the world. On the same day that United filed for bankruptcy protection in federal court, CEO Glenn Tilton flew to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport to explain the company’s decision to customers ... Read More

The Chinese government’s decision to allow foreign news correspondents to interview anyone without prior permission is a major milestone for journalists around the world. But just as significant as the free press implications are the new challenges that this development creates for Chinese companies in crisis. Whether the issue has been melamine in baby formula and pet food or lead paint in toys, Chinese companies used to be able to shade themselves from the spotlight under ... Read More

In all of my dealings with corporate general counsels over the years, I’ve learned that the most effective and talented of the bunch share one common quality – the ability to anticipate legal and business issues lurking around the corner and thus limit exposure. These counselors have their fingers on the pulse. And as such, they offer their bosses in the boardroom and C-Suite what they often need most – a glimpse at what’s next. Ten ... Read More