SPECIAL REPORT – THE LONG, HOT SUMMER OF CORPORATE CRISES
Whether it’s the CEO saying something impolitic and generating an online Tweet storm, a top exec uncovered as a long-time sexual harasser, a data-hacking disaster, or just a good, old-fashioned financial fraud, 2018 has seen an explosion of high-stakes corporate crises. And, as the August issue of online monthly Boardroom INSIDER notes, these crises increasingly drag in (or even start with) the company’s board of directors.
In just the past few months, “the tempo and quality of crises have changed, making the board role far more demanding,” writes BI publisher and business speaker Ralph Ward. Social media and prowling activists make any board or executive comment or association, even if far past, fair game. The #MeToo movement means that recent sackings at Wynn Resorts, Intel, and other top companies are now the norm. And when the board chair himself is the problem (Papa John’s founder John Schnatter; CBS chief Les Moonves), the board is forced to move fast, investigate well, and respond.
The August issue of BI is a special edition compiling the best of recent advice on managing a corporate crisis from the boardroom; laying a good groundwork; conducting a board investigation — and keeping their cool throughout. Ward notes that “today, by the time most boards ask themselves if they’re prepared for a crisis, the tsunami has already struck.”
Articles in the August special issue include:
Crisis management tools and tips.
How boards can screw up an internal investigation.
Q&A: How do we cope with a panicky board?
— Here’s why you have more “board experience” than you think (and why your current resume hides it).
— How women can jump the career obstacles they face into the boardroom.
— Finding your board search mentors and networks.
— How board searches really work (and how to turn flaws in the process to your advantage).
— Gaining the attention of board contacts and search firms.
— Prepping for a board interview… and for your first board meeting.
