BulletProofBlog the blog on crisis communications

Over the last 18 months, we've heard quite a bit about the outdated risk/reward structures that permeated the financial services industry in the years leading up to the current economic crisis. For far too long, critics say, the pay that bankers took home simply didn't align with performance. When the consequences of their actions resulted in the worst economic downturn ... READ MORE

Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the heroic pilot who safely touched down on the Hudson River after losing power to both engines last January, is returning to the cockpit and creating a significant branding opportunity for U.S. Airways. Thus far, the media has seemed more interested in reporting on Captain Sully's return than U.S. Airways has been in publicizing it - and ... READ MORE

ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now), the controversial non-profit organization that was recently caught on film advocating violations of federal tax law, now finds itself in crisis and at a crossroads. By opting for one path, ACORN would remain true to its brand as a $25 million scorpion that fights poverty with a take-no-prisoners, door-to-door approach by aggressively defending ... READ MORE

In this regular feature, Bulletproof interviews top plaintiffs' attorneys for their perspective on the crises likely to affect businesses in the near future. Today we talk to Deborah McKenna, a lawyer practicing in the Stamford, CT office of Outten & Golden LLP, one of the profession's brand name employment firms. Ms. McKenna has just won an important ruling in an ongoing ... READ MORE

In times of adversity, there is nothing more important than surrounding yourself with the right people. Effective crisis management always starts with an abundance mentality - a desire to first understand as many different perspectives as time will allow before seeking to be understood by the myriad stakeholders that are awaiting your next move. That's how strong leaders find the ... READ MORE

One of the first rules of strategic communications - especially when the stakes are high and the debate is heated - is "control the message." The healthcare reform debate now reaching fever pitch on Capitol Hill offers just the latest example of what can happen when that fundamental rule is ignored. After a nasty summer of negative media coverage, collapsing poll ... READ MORE