Why the Lawyers Always Win
From a colleague of ours, Michael Maslansky: A crisis hits and the internal kabuki dance begins. The CEO. The lawyers. The communicators. And as if scripted in advance, the drama frequently plays out in a predictable way. The CEO wants to fight back against the unfair criticism. The lawyer, preparing for coming litigation, doesn’t want […]
Ohio School Boards Association Selects Hennes Communications to Provide Crisis Management and Communications Services to Ohio’s Public Schools
The Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) has entered into a strategic partnership with Hennes Communications to provide crisis management and communications services to public school systems throughout the state of Ohio facing sudden challenges to their organizations’ reputations and operations. With this partnership, OSBA member school leaders have access 365 days a year to expert […]
Crisis Management May Mean Having to Say You’re Sorry
Q: My attorney says apologizing will be bad for future litigation – that apologizing means we are liable. What do you think? A: We often find ourselves wrestling with our client’s attorneys over the phrase “I’m sorry.” Somehow, through the years, attorneys have come to define the phrase “I’m sorry” as meaning “I’m liable. I […]
Used a Paper Straw Lately? You Will.
By Nora Jacobs, Hennes Communications If you’ve been to a food establishment recently and received a paper straw in lieu of the ubiquitous plastic device, you are witnessing the mature stage of an issue lifecycle — in this case, an issue that has been evolving for more than 30 years. Clients often ask us […]
The Tweeting Cow and the “Streisand Effect”
From Matt Cavanaugh at McDonald Hopkins: Earlier this week, Rep. Devin Nunes (R-California) sued Twitter, Liz Mair (a republican strategist), and two obvious parody Twitter accounts: “Devin Nunes’ Mom” and “Devin Nunes’ Cow.” A copy of the complaint is available here. Nunes claims that tweets by Mair and the parody accounts were defamatory and “fighting words” and that Twitter was negligent for […]
Want to Make a Great First Impression? A Princeton Psychologist Says Be Aware of 3 Snap Judgments People Make
We often tell clients that it’s not just what you say, but how you say it. And first impressions do count. Here’s what Scott Mautz, writing for Inc., had to say on the subject. Impressions make quite an impression on us as we’re so eager to manage them. I’ve written about how to overcome a bad […]
You Can’t Spin Your Way Out of Bad Behavior – Boeing & Wells Fargo
By Bruce Hennes, CEO, Hennes Communications On September 11, 2001, the world changed. The terrorist attack on the U.S. altered American politics and propelled us into a foreign war, changing government surveillance, our travel habits and even the architecture of our buildings. On a micro-level, it also changed Hennes Communications. For the previous 12 years, […]
The College Bribery Scandal: Personal Conduct vs. Business Conduct
By Bruce Hennes, CEO, Hennes Communications The recent college bribery scandal is explosive. Hollywood stars, famous sports coaches, parents doing “whatever is necessary” to help their kids, coveted slots going to the wealthiest instead of the most meritorious or deserving, this issue touches a multitude of contemporary issues. One facet of this issue that we […]
Thom Fladung, Managing Partner of Hennes Communications, Talks On-the-Record
Hear Thom Fladung, managing partner of Hennes Communications, talk to the Portage County Safety Council about crisis management here. Hope you agree it’s worth the listen.
When an Alumnus With a Mike Says Something Offensive
Cornell University officials acted instantly when an honoree at an event used a word considered by many to be offensive. Many present were upset but praised the university for not ignoring what happened. The article below, from Inside Higher Ed, details steps taken by the university to address the issue. We believe you’ll also find […]