CBS and Katie Couric

I’m still thinking through the Wall Street Journal article on Katie Couric’s likely departure from CBS.  Very interesting stuff.  I’ll admit, I never thought it was a good fit, but was convinced by the press coverage that something new and exciting was about to happen at CBS.  And, that’s not to say that Katie was the exciting thing, but it seemed to me that there was energy at the network because they were talking about change – period.

Based on the WSJ’s report, the situation with Couric is instructive for anyone who is lured to an organization because of one visionary: be careful, people have vision but organizations have history.  I imagine that Les Moonves is a very well respected and powerful executive as well as a visionary.  But is one person ever able to move a mountain?

I have a good friend that recently moved across the country for a “Katie Couric opportunity.”   She met her new boss at a conference, exchanged some great ideas about developing a corporate responsibility program and he called two days later for lunch.  Next thing I know, she’s subletting her apartment and moving to the West Coast feeling confident that he can provide her with the opportunity to be creative and “impactful” ( I hate that term).

When I asked her if he can deliver, she looked at me dumb founded.  “Why would he uproot me, if he couldn’t?”  I was quiet at first, but told her that while he may have ever intention of making good on his promise, it might be out of his control.  People in a position to hire often have good intentions – as did Les Moonves.  But, in the end, the organizations have a will of their own.

This is not to say that it can’t be done, but, particularly after reading the latest with Katie, it’s clear this it’s something to consider before you start packing you bags.

 

Apple – We Need Some More Innovation!

In general, my friends and colleagues consider Apple to be among the most – if not the most – innovative companies in the world, able to see and create trends long before anyone else. Here’s something I’d like them to consider: designing a stand-up desk for my PowerBook.

I want something stylish and, if possible, portable. I am spending a lot more time on my computer and, as a result, a lot more time sitting down. Most of my friends work in public relations or advocacy. A small group of us were together last week and we concluded that over 10 years in PR amounts to more than an extra 10 pounds!

Sitting – thinking – writing – typing – eating and coffee drinking: it all ads up. Lets keep social media tipping the scales – but in a good way.

 

Corporate Communications and Disintermediation

Disintermediation has been a hot topic in several industries over the years. Often the discussion is tied to the emergence of a new technology that makes a job function obsolete. Will blogging disintermediate corporate affairs representatives?

In January, I blogged about Naked Conversations, a book which I generally enjoyed. For someone that is new to the power of the Internet and Web 2.0, I felt like it was a good guide to the future.

But, Chapter 7, survival of the publicists, struck me as a bit harsh. Here is a basic premise: corporate public affairs representatives are awful people who hide information from external audiences seeking the truth. These people use bad language – that doesn’t make sense – they highlight information that no on cares about – they prevent the outside world from getting in contact with the real experts. Pretty tough stuff.

I think Public Relations people deserve a break. We are talking about a group of people that got into the business because they believe that it is important to provide information to stakeholders in a clear and concise fashion, not to hide the dirty corporate secrets from the world. And, many corporate affairs people have done a good job, one that the scientist or accountant or engineer might not do because he or she is not particularly concerned with the expression of an idea.

We all have or skills sets and our talents. And while I know that corporate structures have been criticized for their layers and isolated functions, some of them do exist for good reasons without sinister intent.

I have been working in corporate America for 15 years. My boss was responsible for public affairs, internal communications, government relations and corporate philanthropy. He has been in this job for over 25 years. Before that, he was a professor of English and history. He writes beautifully, finding the perfect word for every occasion. He was also a gifted storyteller, which I believe is consistent with all of his other strengths. He made an enormous contribution to the company, his colleagues, our department and our customers in both the consumer and business environments and I hate the idea that the nature of his contribution would be completely discounted as a result of new technology and the perception that he is nothing more than a corporate cock-blocker.

 

“The Business of Life”

Nice to hear someone make a bold statement about how people see and feel about advancement in the workplace. The Business of Life blog points out that for years people have talked about success in terms of connections rather than expertise. I too have been surprised to hear friends and colleagues downplay the need to be good at what you do in order to succeed. In truth, I started to think it was a throw away line for people that were lazy. Sorry. It might sound harsh. But, it’s true.

BOL points out that people are still at the core of what we do and what we accomplish. I agree completely. No one can do it alone – and why would you want to? Learning from and working with other people is still the most important thing we can all do over time.

 

Communicators and Politics

Do you find professional communicators are more or less engaged in politics than everyone else? My view is somewhat biased. The bulk of my career was spent in the corporate communications department of a Fortune 100 company and the leadership team loved to talk politics. Sometimes, it made for spirited debate and sometimes it hurt careers.

Political talk is tricky stuff. People are passionate about their views and their views might not comport with the views of their colleagues, the superiors or the organization. Often, people don’t know their company is taking positions on issues and people that are in the news every day.

As communicators, people want to engage and use their skills to be persuasive or provocative. But, sometimes the conversation doesn’t allow it and people try and force it. In the end, no one has said what they really mean, but the paid communicator is in a more difficult position than the accountant, the systems analyst or other colleagues that don’t get paid to be clear.

It’s not fair, but these small encounters, over time, help to shape views on how well people do their jobs as communicators – so be careful. Most importantly, know who your talking to and avoid conversations based on generalizations. There is nothing general about politics anymore. And, when in doubt, listen attentively, express healthy “curiosity” about issues that are important to you and transition your way out of the conversation as quickly as possible. Generally speaking, you’ll be better off for it.