Well, we’ve complimented South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford’s more sound and judicious moves on this blog in the past. Now, suffice it to say, "sound" and "judicious" might not be applicable for him this week (although we all have our bad weeks).
However, Ragan.com took a look today at how his disappearance — which ultimately led to the disclosure of his affair — could serve as a lesson for CEOs in the business world. Read on:
To paraphrase Simon and Garfunkel: Where have you gone, Mark Sanford?
For the past few days, journalists, politicians, South Carolinians, bloggers, and your wife wondered about your whereabouts. First, we heard you were hiking the Appalachian Trail.
Well, not so much.
It turns out that you were in Argentina visiting a woman with whom you’ve been having an affair. (That’s a whole other domestic communication quandary.)
The issue for corporate communicators is this: Let’s say your CEO leaves unexpectedly—doesn’t even send a postcard. How do you communicate the message to your employees and other stakeholders?
Dustin R. Walling, principal of Dustin Walling Associates, shares these four tips on dealing with a missing or ailing CEO.
Business as near-usual: Every good corporation of size has—or ought to have—a well-conceived set of strategic and tactical plans. This is one of the primary jobs of the CEO and the executive team. If these plans don’t exist, hire a management consultant and get to work.
Appoint the next in command: The COO, CFO, or another key executive is the likely candidate to stand in during the CEO’s absence. The board should meet immediately and appoint one executive, a member of their own ranks, or another trusted leader to the position. Continue reading
As members of a fairly small fraternity — Republican governors — I’m guessing that Indiana’s Mitch Daniels and South Carolina’s Mark Sanford have crossed paths at least a few times. I would also suggest that the two likely see eye-to-eye on a number of topics.