Former Enron chairman Ken Lay finally got around to adding bad PR advice to the list of reasons why the company imploded.
See, the Wall Street Journal was on a witch hunt against him and the company.
But even despite being a witch hunt, he was at still eager to talk to the Wall Street Journal after the newspaper sent him written questions in advance, despite being on a witch hunt and all.
But Key Lay couldn’t talk to the Wall Street Journal. He testified that he was “overruled by communications advisors.”
Let’s get this straight:
- The Wall Street Journal is on an Enron witch hunt
- This begins a downward spiral on the company’s stock and credibility
- Based on stories that Mr. Lay says are lies and inaccuracies
- So the Wall Street Journal submits written questions for Mr. Lay to answer
- And Mr. Lay is eager to get the truth out once and for all
- But his communications advisors tell him not to communicate
- So the witch hunt produces more lies and inaccuracies
- Until the company tanks completely
- And now Mr. Lay is on the stand, eager to get the truth out once and for all.
I don’t mean to contradict the rulings of fellow communications advisors. But perhaps you - like Mr. Lay - are being persecuted by a vengeful press for being guilty of nothing except maybe loving your company just a little too much.
If so, remember that it is always better to get the truth out. Deal with the press head on, steadfastly responding in one of only three ways to answer any reporter’s question:
- I know the answer and here it is.
- I don’t know the answer but will find out.
- I can’t answer because this is a witch hunt. I vex thee! I vex thee!
WALL STREET JOURNAL | Lay defends partnerships
FOX NEWS | Lay: I wanted to talk to the press
** UPDATE **
SCATTERBOX | Enron convictions give corporations a lesson in the real cost of crisis.
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Technorati Tags: Enron, Governance, Ken Lay, Wall Street Journal
