Being a press secretary is a tough job. This is especially true when your boss is a high-profile, much sought-after figure by the media and the general public. No supervisor better fits this mold than the President of the United States. No matter the specific person, there is never a time when this leader is not in the spotlight. Even when they are not in the news - a rare time - they are the ultimate focus of attention. There is never a time when their actions are not being challenged, second-guessed, dissected or criticized. It stands to reason, then, that being the press secretary to such an individual has got to be tremendously demanding.
Almost daily on behalf of the President, it is the press secretary that fields an array of questions from the press corps that often reflects the range of intellectual and emotional attitudes of the general public. These questions can be hostile, fueled by anger, and complex. Despite the tone, because they are representing not themselves but the leader of the free world, the press secretary must do his or her absolute best to remain calm, thoughtful, articulate, and sincere in responding to what is asked of them as well as trying to put forth key messages on behalf of their boss. Such a challenge is never easy because so many are watching and often times it is being faced under difficult circumstances.
This perspective is triggered by the recent announcement by Jay Carney, President Obama's press secretary, that he will be stepping down from his position in the next few weeks. His replacement will be Obama's third press secretary. Regardless of the quality of his performance, Carney is to be commended for working as hard as he did in a job that takes a heavy toll. President Clinton had four press secretaries during his tenure and President George W. Bush had five. It has been said often that being president of the United States is the toughest job in the world. No one would argue that. At the same time, being that person's press secretary is also a most difficult gig.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Communication in the Moment
While I have always found much wisdom in Thomas Wolfe's famous contention that "You can't go home again," the truth is - as Wolfe himself noted nearly 75 years ago - that one, in fact, can take a trip back to their old haunts. The trick when making such a journey is to remember that time is a constant motion, not something that is immovable. It was a recent visit to the place of my undergraduate studies - University of Tennessee in Knoxville - that triggered these thoughts. Over 40 years had passed since I had set foot on that impressive campus. Going back was fun because I went back not in the guise of how I was but, rather, how I am. In these many decades, UT had changed and so, too, had I. While others may disagree, I believe the evolution of my alma mater and myself have been for the better.
Looking at life's many elements, particularly communication, it is important to view them as ever-changing. Interactions between individuals, for example, are best when the parties involved communicate as they are at-present rather than try to replicate how they were in the past. Whether that "past" was one day or one year previous, the reality of today cannot and should not be ignored. In the matter of communication, one should assume that just because certain strategies proved successful in the past does not mean they will be as effective in the present. To cling to the past in this way suggests a person who has not grown but merely settled into beliefs that are actually little more than a "series of fixations," to again borrow from Wolfe.
Of course, we can all enjoy experiences and memories from the past. I sure did while revisiting UT. But when it comes to communicating, it is the present that needs to be embraced. It is our true "home." The past is to be remembered. It is the home that one cannot go back to. Not only does doing so make one vulnerable to repeating their history's mistakes, but depicts one as being unwilling or unable to face present-day challenges. Communication should be an action very much in the moment of today. Carry it out under any other guise is a mistake.
Looking at life's many elements, particularly communication, it is important to view them as ever-changing. Interactions between individuals, for example, are best when the parties involved communicate as they are at-present rather than try to replicate how they were in the past. Whether that "past" was one day or one year previous, the reality of today cannot and should not be ignored. In the matter of communication, one should assume that just because certain strategies proved successful in the past does not mean they will be as effective in the present. To cling to the past in this way suggests a person who has not grown but merely settled into beliefs that are actually little more than a "series of fixations," to again borrow from Wolfe.
Of course, we can all enjoy experiences and memories from the past. I sure did while revisiting UT. But when it comes to communicating, it is the present that needs to be embraced. It is our true "home." The past is to be remembered. It is the home that one cannot go back to. Not only does doing so make one vulnerable to repeating their history's mistakes, but depicts one as being unwilling or unable to face present-day challenges. Communication should be an action very much in the moment of today. Carry it out under any other guise is a mistake.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
The Official Word
What is it about an "official word" that seems to give one a sense that they are not being told the entire truth? Perhaps it is because statements of this kind are so measured and carefully crafted that is gives those of us on the receiving end a sense there is information that is not being shared. In many ways, we live in what I label an "instant society." We want what we want and we want it now. No delays. No postponements. No pauses. Give it to us now! Our desire for instant food is a great example. At home we have microwave ovens. Press a few buttons and dinner is served in a manner of seconds. And if we are not in the mood to eat at home, then there are usually plenty of fast food places from which to choose.
The media, in their reporting of news, provides us with an array of experts on most any topic under the sun. The radio and cable talk shows are even better. (Or perhaps worse is a better word.) On a daily basis they bombard us with "talking heads" who spew out tons of opinions and theories of events of the day. Never mind that most of the time these people have little expertise on what they are talking about and, consequently, are wrong far more than they are right. Their main talent seems to be an ability to spout an opinion in a way that sounds definitive and insightful when in fact it usually little else but loud and narrow.
It is our culture of wanting everything instantly that contributes to the skepticism we often feel regarding the "official word." Thus, perhaps the biggest fault with the "official word" is that it goes against our own mindset that we and our primary sources of information support. There is an old saying that refers to one "looking before they leap." Such action was consider to be wise. The "official word," generally represents an attempt to think before one speaks. This is not a bad thing by any stretch even it does test our patience.
The media, in their reporting of news, provides us with an array of experts on most any topic under the sun. The radio and cable talk shows are even better. (Or perhaps worse is a better word.) On a daily basis they bombard us with "talking heads" who spew out tons of opinions and theories of events of the day. Never mind that most of the time these people have little expertise on what they are talking about and, consequently, are wrong far more than they are right. Their main talent seems to be an ability to spout an opinion in a way that sounds definitive and insightful when in fact it usually little else but loud and narrow.
It is our culture of wanting everything instantly that contributes to the skepticism we often feel regarding the "official word." Thus, perhaps the biggest fault with the "official word" is that it goes against our own mindset that we and our primary sources of information support. There is an old saying that refers to one "looking before they leap." Such action was consider to be wise. The "official word," generally represents an attempt to think before one speaks. This is not a bad thing by any stretch even it does test our patience.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Communication Inequity
Lately there has been much conversation about the free market system. Opinions of it vary from those who view it should never be altered to those who believe it continues to create a society of much economic inequality, thus requiring some degree of regulatory oversight. Rather than debate that point here, my focus is on the reality that the free market system has and continues to perpetuate a number of economic classes: upper, middle and lower. Here in the United States, the trend has been a shrinking middle class, expanding lower class and heavily fortified upper class. Further, upward mobility among the classes has been on the decline.
One obvious reason for this current state is that there are those who are simply better at or in better positions to make and keep money than others. Consequently, those either without or with limited economic means often remain in their particular group with little chance of climbing out of and into one that is higher. This, of course, is counter to an American dream that says by working hard any one can advance to the status of millionaire and economic security. If this were once true, it no longer is. People born into a certain economic class are more likely to die in it as well. Are we seeing a similar trend when it comes to communication?
Let's face it: some have access to a bullhorn (metaphorically-speaking) and some not. There are those with the ability to be heard regarding most any pronouncement they make versus others that simply lack the ability to even gain the attention of someone standing next to them. Is this fair or equitable? Of course not. Perhaps a better question is: is it bad? It is difficult to give a one-size-fits-all answer to that. A truer response is more situational. The challenge is we must ensure that all have the opportunity to be heard. Whether they actually are is another matter. Opportunity is the key when it comes to both economics and communication.
One obvious reason for this current state is that there are those who are simply better at or in better positions to make and keep money than others. Consequently, those either without or with limited economic means often remain in their particular group with little chance of climbing out of and into one that is higher. This, of course, is counter to an American dream that says by working hard any one can advance to the status of millionaire and economic security. If this were once true, it no longer is. People born into a certain economic class are more likely to die in it as well. Are we seeing a similar trend when it comes to communication?
Let's face it: some have access to a bullhorn (metaphorically-speaking) and some not. There are those with the ability to be heard regarding most any pronouncement they make versus others that simply lack the ability to even gain the attention of someone standing next to them. Is this fair or equitable? Of course not. Perhaps a better question is: is it bad? It is difficult to give a one-size-fits-all answer to that. A truer response is more situational. The challenge is we must ensure that all have the opportunity to be heard. Whether they actually are is another matter. Opportunity is the key when it comes to both economics and communication.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Sunrises
Over the years, poets and writers of great and even not-so-great renown have written of the unquestionable beauty of sunrises. While some may be more memorable than others, each is a sight to behold. While their physical beauty often is breath taking, one of the aspects of sunrises I continue to find most striking is what they represent: a beginning; a do-over; a chance to make the next 24 hours most memorable. As good as the previous days may have been, sunrise is that moment when possibilities exist - a time when one's hopes and dreams do not seem far-fetched or silly. Ultimately, the beauty of a sunrise is that it combines the reality of what is present with the hope of what is possible.
I mention sunrises because they are not unlike what the beginning of any communication connection represents. Two people click or experience an interaction where their thoughts, words, etc. resonate in ways that are compatible, in-sync and in little need of explanation. When that occurs, it, too, is a moment when reality and possibility combine to fill one with a great sense of hope and confidence. Sunrises, of course, occur every day. Moments of communication compatibility are not quite as predictable or regular. Many times, in fact, they are unexpected, thus making them all the more profound.
The real challenge of communication, of course, is not when those special moments occur. It comes in trying to make them last. One can always hit a bulls-eye. The challenge comes in hitting it a second and third time. This takes practice, planning, hard work and great patience. In short, it is not easy, nor should it be. As jaw-dropping as sunrises often are, they appear to us with no effort on our part other than to be an early riser. Successful communication requires the commitment necessary to make that sunrise moment occur throughout the day, not just as its beginning. In its own way, this can be just as profound.
I mention sunrises because they are not unlike what the beginning of any communication connection represents. Two people click or experience an interaction where their thoughts, words, etc. resonate in ways that are compatible, in-sync and in little need of explanation. When that occurs, it, too, is a moment when reality and possibility combine to fill one with a great sense of hope and confidence. Sunrises, of course, occur every day. Moments of communication compatibility are not quite as predictable or regular. Many times, in fact, they are unexpected, thus making them all the more profound.
The real challenge of communication, of course, is not when those special moments occur. It comes in trying to make them last. One can always hit a bulls-eye. The challenge comes in hitting it a second and third time. This takes practice, planning, hard work and great patience. In short, it is not easy, nor should it be. As jaw-dropping as sunrises often are, they appear to us with no effort on our part other than to be an early riser. Successful communication requires the commitment necessary to make that sunrise moment occur throughout the day, not just as its beginning. In its own way, this can be just as profound.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Beware of Certainty
Several years before his death, one of Mark Twain's publishers submitted prints of his hands to a person whose specialty was to read hand prints and, from that, produce a thorough description of that person's personality. Twain - Samuel Clemons - did not know this was being done; nor did the specialist know he was examining the hand prints of the world famous author. The results of the assessment of the so-called found this anonymous person to be, overall, a decent person of good character. However, there was one striking conclusion: the expert said the subject's hand prints indicated no sign of a sense of humor.
In retrospect, all of us can find such a conclusion to be quite amusing. After all, we are talking about Mark Twain, humorist and writer-extraordinaire. Such a professional assessment is not all that different from the one a critic made about a young and at the time unknown Fred Astaire when he said this thin man could "dance a little." The point is not that these experts where obviously way off the mark. I am sure all of us have at one time or another have made similar observations that later proved laughingly wrong. Rather, these and other reviews serve as a reminder that we all must be careful about putting too much stock in the views of others,
Most every day each of us are on the receiving of persons who share their views with great force and certainty. They "know" they are right and that's all there is to it. Further, because they seem to feel strongly about a particularly topic, we generally assume them to be right. We would be wiser not to be so accommodating. Often times, the force of an opinion does not necessarily match the degree of facts on which such a perspective is based. If we are to communicate more effectively, then we owe it ourselves and those around us to make a greater effort to go beyond whatever unsubstantiated certainty we might feel about a topic and make our views much more fact-based.
In retrospect, all of us can find such a conclusion to be quite amusing. After all, we are talking about Mark Twain, humorist and writer-extraordinaire. Such a professional assessment is not all that different from the one a critic made about a young and at the time unknown Fred Astaire when he said this thin man could "dance a little." The point is not that these experts where obviously way off the mark. I am sure all of us have at one time or another have made similar observations that later proved laughingly wrong. Rather, these and other reviews serve as a reminder that we all must be careful about putting too much stock in the views of others,
Most every day each of us are on the receiving of persons who share their views with great force and certainty. They "know" they are right and that's all there is to it. Further, because they seem to feel strongly about a particularly topic, we generally assume them to be right. We would be wiser not to be so accommodating. Often times, the force of an opinion does not necessarily match the degree of facts on which such a perspective is based. If we are to communicate more effectively, then we owe it ourselves and those around us to make a greater effort to go beyond whatever unsubstantiated certainty we might feel about a topic and make our views much more fact-based.
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Rent-A-Kilt
While driving through Brooklyn, New York, recently I saw a store-front with a big sign in front: Rent-a-Kilt. Very colorful. Very eye-catching. And, of course, very memorable. There, I thought, is a store if ever there was one with a particular niche. Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to go inside and learn more about the business, but as the day went I found my thoughts drifting back to this interesting place. Do they have many customers? How many people work in this store? Is there, in fact, a future in the kilt industry? What does their inventory look like? Are they turning a profit each month? These questions, pertinent for any business, are all the more intriguing when directed to one focusing not just on selling but renting kilts.
Then there are the people who had the vision to open up a store with such an interesting specialty. Is this business one that has been handed down from generation to generation or is its existence the result of an individual having a vision that providing the public with such a service - renting kilts - is their way up the ladder of success? Either way, I hope this business is just the ticket the owners need to achieve the comfort and financial peace-of-mind they seek. If they do, then such a success would have to give great heart to any other entrepreneurs trying to make it in the face of the economic challenges so many of us face these days.
More and more we seem to be living in a world of what I term niche-fillers. Cable news, for instance, is a perfect example of enterprises trying to fill a particular niche on behalf of their followers. Viewers tune into those stations that present news with conservative bent while others subscribe to those with more of a leftwing perspective. More broadly, professional communicators find themselves specializing in certain aspects of this social science. These include speech writing, advertising, social media and even media relations. After all, there are worse things than attempting to fill a niche. Just ask the folks at Rent-A-Kilt.
Then there are the people who had the vision to open up a store with such an interesting specialty. Is this business one that has been handed down from generation to generation or is its existence the result of an individual having a vision that providing the public with such a service - renting kilts - is their way up the ladder of success? Either way, I hope this business is just the ticket the owners need to achieve the comfort and financial peace-of-mind they seek. If they do, then such a success would have to give great heart to any other entrepreneurs trying to make it in the face of the economic challenges so many of us face these days.
More and more we seem to be living in a world of what I term niche-fillers. Cable news, for instance, is a perfect example of enterprises trying to fill a particular niche on behalf of their followers. Viewers tune into those stations that present news with conservative bent while others subscribe to those with more of a leftwing perspective. More broadly, professional communicators find themselves specializing in certain aspects of this social science. These include speech writing, advertising, social media and even media relations. After all, there are worse things than attempting to fill a niche. Just ask the folks at Rent-A-Kilt.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
National Basketball Association
I am sure it started out as just another regular day for the National Basketball Association. Playoffs underway. Lots of press coverage. Fan excitement. What could be better? What could go wrong? I respond to that with two words: Donald Sterling. Tapes of racist comments he had made previously were suddenly and unexpectedly released to the public. Suddenly, as a result of the apparent attitude of this owner of the Los Angeles Clippers basketball team, the NBA found itself smack dab in the in the middle of a public relations crisis. All eyes became focused on the NBA's hierarchy, particularly commissioner Adam Silver, to see what they and he were going to do about Sterling.
As we now know, with the support of other team owners, Silver took unprecedented and definitive action. Silver issued a lifetime ban against Sterling, slapped a $2.5 million fine against him, and plans to pressure Sterling to sell the team so the sport will be completely rid of this controversial owner. Sterling's views, Silver said, ".....have no place in the NBA." His action, thus far, has received a great deal of public support from entities inside and outside basketball. Even Sterling's own organization, the Clippers, applauded the sanctions levied against their owner. As of this writing, Sterling himself has yet to publically respond to the NBA's decision.
Make no mistake. This flap did represent a major crisis for the NBA. At risk was the entire association's reputation, the loss of significant revenue as a result of a sharp drop in fan support, and a revolt of many of the professionals who play in the NBA, particularly those who play on the Clippers' team. By taking such a no-tolerance stance, Silver has communicated that the NBA has an unshakeable commitment to the value that people - inside and outside professional sports - should be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. Their handling of this crisis has been spot-on. The result, I predict, is the entire NBA will come out of this with a reputation ever more positive than it did before Sterling decided to share his hateful views.
As we now know, with the support of other team owners, Silver took unprecedented and definitive action. Silver issued a lifetime ban against Sterling, slapped a $2.5 million fine against him, and plans to pressure Sterling to sell the team so the sport will be completely rid of this controversial owner. Sterling's views, Silver said, ".....have no place in the NBA." His action, thus far, has received a great deal of public support from entities inside and outside basketball. Even Sterling's own organization, the Clippers, applauded the sanctions levied against their owner. As of this writing, Sterling himself has yet to publically respond to the NBA's decision.
Make no mistake. This flap did represent a major crisis for the NBA. At risk was the entire association's reputation, the loss of significant revenue as a result of a sharp drop in fan support, and a revolt of many of the professionals who play in the NBA, particularly those who play on the Clippers' team. By taking such a no-tolerance stance, Silver has communicated that the NBA has an unshakeable commitment to the value that people - inside and outside professional sports - should be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness. Their handling of this crisis has been spot-on. The result, I predict, is the entire NBA will come out of this with a reputation ever more positive than it did before Sterling decided to share his hateful views.
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