File that idea under wishful thinking. It rarely works, and it’s always a bad idea. The reason: Even if the public is tolerant of the initial problem, it is furious if someone…
Author: Gillott Communications (page 8)
Can You Stop a Story from Getting Published?
Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. The best advice is: Don’t count on it. If a story never sees the light of day, you can breathe easily. Even if it is published, you have…
Behind the Scenes: The First Hours of a Crisis
You receive a call. Something’s gone horribly wrong, and everyone is demanding answers. Tiny beads of sweat form on your face. You feel a rush of heat all over your body. Time…
Where the Buck Stops
The short answer: At the top. As it should. Sometimes it just takes longer. Pointing fingers at underlings are increasingly passé. Such tactics ring hollow. The public demands that those ultimately responsible…
Starbucks: Be Fast. Not Hasty.
To calm a crisis, you must react quickly. But haste creates mistakes. These concepts aren’t contradictory. Rather, they’re a caution: Before you do or say anything, consider the consequences. How might someone…
Teach a Man or Lead a Horse?
The world is full of aphorisms. Some are actually useful. Consider how accurately they describe the role of consultants who try to steer their clients down paths that are more beneficial, more…
Taking Your Own Advice
One of the hardest things in life is to take your own advice. This is especially true in sensitive situations that can impact your reputation. We always give clients the same advice:…
Is Threatening Bankruptcy a Negotiating Ploy?
When you think of The Weinstein Co., what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Most likely the allegations of Harvey Weinstein’s egregious misbehavior toward women. What about the company’s dire finances,…
What To Do When the Sh*t Hits the Fan: Strategy Session
Landed yourself in hot water? Attracting unwanted attention? Don’t know what to do next? You’ll want to read this. Maybe someone is spreading false allegations publicly. Maybe something was caught on camera…
The Alternative to Anger
As weapons go, anger can easily miss the target or misfire — and you may be the one who’s injured. Someone accusing you? Of sexual harassment or abuse (today’s most frequent claim).…