Comments on: Leadership in public relations (or…ditch the bitch)

By: PR pros don’t need to know how to blog | Public relations and managing reputation

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 21:25:01 +0000

[...] as for being more important than being a nice person, sadly, you can still be a dropkick and work in PR, but it will make life miserable for you and your [...]

By: Craig Pearce

Craig Pearce — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 07:52:15 +0000

I am not sure what you mean, Bridget or what you are referring to exactly. Happy to respond if you can be more specific.

By: Bridget

Bridget — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:26:13 +0000

this reply doesn’t sound so compassionate to me….

By: Craig

Craig — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 02:34:00 +0000

The risk of offending some people to make a point, attract readers and to exhibit my own sense of humour is one I am willing to take and stand by.

In Australia, where I am based, bitch is not such a hateful word. Perhaps it’s a cultural thing. Bitch encapsulates perfectly the sort of person I am referring to.

By: Melissa Frank

Melissa Frank — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:55:16 +0000

I read the story and I will tell you that you had some great points. It was also really well written and easy to read.

But, that doesn’t change the fact that I am still offended by your use of that word. The fact that you are defending it to me tells me that you did not read your own story. One of the salient points in the article was consideration for other peoples feelings. I am clearly telling you that the word is offensive to me and to many women and you would rather be right than hear that you are turning off a potential client or colleague.

There are a number of other words that could be used to effectively make your point. That word is misogynistic and hateful. This isnt about your sense of humor, either. It is about making your point in a fun way while maintaining the dignity of your profession.

I may be the only person saying it out loud, but I promise you that I am not the only person offended by your use of that word.

Melissa

By: Craig

Craig — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 06:09:21 +0000

Hi Melissa. I admit my sense of humour can be a bit edgy at times, but most people I have spoken to about it have read the post in good spirit. It refers to men and women, if that is your issue. And let’s face it, we’ve all worked with bitches, so let’s call it what it is. In fact, that is one of the main problems. We let the bitches get away with their behaviour and don’t name the problem or deal with it effectively.

Try reading the post and getting over your preconceptions. You might find yourself in agreement. And yes, I am a professional wordsmith and, yes, I have used the word deliberately for its cut-through effect.

Cheers, CP

By: Melissa Frank

Melissa Frank — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:52:18 +0000

I cant get past the title. Im sorry but …ditch the bitch is so offensive to me that I just shut the rest of it out of my head.

You are a professional wordsmith and this is what you came up with for a title…really?

By: Craig

Craig — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:18:44 +0000

Thanks Eve and Dan. Yes, Eve, funny isn’t it – you would think PR people would make the best people managers seeing the profession is all about relationships? Easier said than done.

I agree Daniel: people – me, me me! At least that perspective is predictable in all of us.

By: Eve Chong

Eve Chong — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 04:33:10 +0000

Agree with a lot of these points. From my own experience, I believe a PR leader is not just being brilliant at the PR/communications craft – it’s the understanding and knowledge of all facets of the business – team dynamics, talent/career development, financials, professionalism, internal communication, marketing etc. Flexibility is key and the willingness and ability to listen to your people as well as encouraging a feedback culture. It’s those that can juggle these points (and also managing to have a personal life!) that I respect and see succeeding.

Cliché no. 7 on walking the talk is paramount – in the communications industry especially – if you’re not communicating, where’s the respect!? Get your internal communications right and you’ll be doing yourself a world of favours. It’s also interesting to observe cases who are doing all the right things by their clients but when it comes to their employees, it doesn’t translate.

Nice one CP – enjoy the brilliance of this sheer simplicity. I think too often we forget to go back to basics!!

By: Dan Dwyer

Dan Dwyer — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 01:19:00 +0000

People skills and common sense are a shrinking commodity in todays business marketplace.

Respect as a leader doesn’t naturally come from your title, and I think we see this time and time again.

Being a boss or a leader requires more work than simply “being in charge”. You have to gain the respect of, and develop relationships with a diverse range of people under your leadership – and this isn’t an easy thing to do!

Generally, this means showing an interest in them on a personal level – as that’s what most people care most about (themselves)!

This is a great article Craig.

Dan