Comments on: Wanted: the ‘Best Corporate BS of the Year’ http://workforce.com/wpmu/bizmgmt/2008/04/04/best_corporate_bs/ All about the issues that arise when workforce issues converge with business management. Thu, 4 Dec 2008 07:29:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=wordpress-mu-1.2.3-2.2.1 By: Jacob Johansen http://workforce.com/wpmu/bizmgmt/2008/04/04/best_corporate_bs/#comment-16131 Jacob Johansen Mon, 07 Apr 2008 03:36:03 +0000 http://workforce.com/wpmu/bizmgmt/2008/04/04/best_corporate_bs/#comment-16131 Hi John You know what's comical about this??? There's a new theme in corporate America right now. This thing call being open, honest, and direct. It's the latest management fad that's designed to break down barriers to get the job done! Yet, the minute bad news starts raining down, leaders take the illusionary approach. And, they wonder why they aren't trusted? Hopefully the rise of social technology will help corporations learn that they've got to keep it real! Hi John
You know what’s comical about this???
There’s a new theme in corporate America right now. This thing call being open, honest, and direct. It’s the latest management fad that’s designed to break down barriers to get the job done!
Yet, the minute bad news starts raining down, leaders take the illusionary approach. And, they wonder why they aren’t trusted?
Hopefully the rise of social technology will help corporations learn that they’ve got to keep it real!

]]> By: gay rogers http://workforce.com/wpmu/bizmgmt/2008/04/04/best_corporate_bs/#comment-16103 gay rogers Sun, 06 Apr 2008 15:36:51 +0000 http://workforce.com/wpmu/bizmgmt/2008/04/04/best_corporate_bs/#comment-16103 Even though I do not have another corporate euphemism, I must comment on the PR strategy of Schering-Plough. To me, the term “productivity transformation program” does everything management or key leadership theories are against. We preach meaning -making, we state we are transparent and authentic leaders, we pride ourselves in open communication channels. This PR strategy is not any of that. So how does Schering Plough believe this PR strategy will enhance their image? Layoffs, downsizing, reducing budgets are indeed difficult on companies and the workforce in them, both those left and those leaving. However, a straight-forward, honest, “look you in the eye” approach would be much more acceptable to the workforce and the general public this company states to serve. It is my assumption the community, Wall Street, future investors, and the existing employee base will now have diminished trust for Schering Plough’s future communication. Strategies in times like this are not easy, but requires much thought and deliberation. It requires the leaders of an organization to take a courageous attempt to show their transparency and willingness to admit when a plan’s actual outcomes are not optimal. Instead, strategies like this, one that trys to cover up or state it as something new and innovative, is an insult to the public by hiding behind meaningless and dishonest vernacular. Is it possible Schering Plough does not have the culture of open disclosure and this strategy did not fall far from the vine? They can repair this, if they choose to…however, will they believe it is important for them to do it? I guess time will tell. Even though I do not have another corporate euphemism, I must comment on the PR strategy of Schering-Plough.

To me, the term “productivity transformation program” does everything management or key leadership theories are against. We preach meaning -making, we state we are transparent and authentic leaders, we pride ourselves in open communication channels. This PR strategy is not any of that.

So how does Schering Plough believe this PR strategy will enhance their image?

Layoffs, downsizing, reducing budgets are indeed difficult on companies and the workforce in them, both those left and those leaving. However, a straight-forward, honest, “look you in the eye” approach would be much more acceptable to the workforce and the general public this company states to serve.

It is my assumption the community, Wall Street, future investors, and the existing employee base will now have diminished trust for Schering Plough’s future communication.

Strategies in times like this are not easy, but requires much thought and deliberation. It requires the leaders of an organization to take a courageous attempt to show their transparency and willingness to admit when a plan’s actual outcomes are not optimal. Instead, strategies like this, one that trys to cover up or state it as something new and innovative, is an insult to the public by hiding behind meaningless and dishonest vernacular.

Is it possible Schering Plough does not have the culture of open disclosure and this strategy did not fall far from the vine? They can repair this, if they choose to…however, will they believe it is important for them to do it? I guess time will tell.

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