Speaking Out

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A new lens for understanding how to navigate political and social issues in business leadership communications Corporate leaders are increasingly expected to issue statements on a range of complex and controversial political and social issues as they arise. As a result, chief executives run the risk of falling into the "talking trap," and thus needing to comment on every issue du jour. However, those whose only strategy is to avoid risk by saying nothing do so at their own peril. Speaking Out offers a new framework for understanding how to manage corporate communications challenges with a shared emphasis on actions and words. Case studies of leaders who have spoken out and backed their words with action are contrasted with those of others who have had mixed records on accountability, failed to show progress in public commitments or faced consequences for taking a stance. These real-world examples demonstrate the difference between public relations