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It’s time for us to “Leadership Up”….
October 29, 2008

Where are the leaders in public relations?

Given the incredible challenges facing society, the economy and our industry, I have been giving a great deal of thought about the lack of leadership by the “leaders” in our industry. Why is an industry built on communication so lacking in public figures? Why do we not take strong positions of our own and defend them aggressively? We certainly do so for our clients, every day, yet there is a mystifying reticence to do so on our own behalf. Why are so few willing to stand up and take a position? Why are our leaders so silent? I, for one, think it’s time for us to “leadership up.”

Individually and collectively, we are more than just the heads of public relations firms. Our industry is growing rapidly in both size and influence. In the U.S. alone, we employ almost 250,000 people, and manage more than $1.5 billion in revenue. We serve as trusted counsel to thousands of global leaders, spanning business, entertainment and politics. We help craft and deliver the messages that help Americans sort through the issues that impact them every day. Our unique position lends us a collective insight that should, by all rights, make us more likely to step up and speak, rather than less.

So, why don’t we publicly and openly discuss our opinions? Clearly we have them. Can it be that we are just too lazy or could it be something deeper? Looking at the vast majority of our industry leaders, I can only speculate that their reticence to take a stand, to really put a stake in the ground, is driven by fear that a passionate opinion made public would alienate a potential client or employee. And in some cases, depending on the opinion and the client, that may be true. But follow that line of thinking through. What is the real risk? Do we want to represent clients whose beliefs are diametrically opposed to our own? Isn’t that the definition of hypocrisy? And wouldn’t a potential client be more inclined to seek the counsel of a PR practitioner who demonstrates a deep awareness of the issues and has the confidence and standing to try and impact them? I know prospective employees deeply respect those with the courage to stand up for what they believe.

And what about issues that directly impact our industry? Our partners? Our Employees? Staying silent on those is an even greater sin.

This continued silence does not help us. It furthers the perception of PR pros as ciphers, mouthpieces who are willing to espouse any position once the client’s check clears. Nothing is further from the truth. In my decades in PR I’ve been proud to work alongside some of the smartest, passionate, thoughtful and…often, most opinionated people in business. Many of our peers are deeply committed to our profession and critical social issues. And many have deeply rooted and highly charged opinions that they are willing to impart during a private meeting or a casual meal.

And yet, oddly, among the leaders of our profession, there is little said publicly. Their opinions rarely see the light of day. Just this pervasive, eerie quiet. It’s time for us to lead the debate…for our leaders to lead.

Posted by Michael Kempner at October 29, 2008 03:46 PM