Having a point is the most important aspect of any written communication. The point should be interesting, novel, and firm. Leaders need to decide where they stand on an issue, then act on that stance. Press releases from leaders need to be innovative, and they have to lead to action. Business owners are in a position now where they can’t ignore issues, they must take a side politically. President Trump is leaning far away from progressive programs, and citizens are watching to see if the private sector will pick up the slack.
Key Takeaways:
- Having a point matters; it’s the whole point of sharing your ideas in print, whether you’re writing an op-ed or talking to a reporter.
- In a world where “alternative” realities jockey incessantly for dominance, confusion spreads and paralysis sets in. It’s up to leaders to reverse that, by clarifying where they stand and what they stand for—then explaining what to do about it.
- The pressure to take a position isn’t just on left-leaning companies. Earlier this month, L.L. Bean heiress Linda Bean went on Fox & Friends to condemn boycotters of the clothing brand after revelations that she’d donated $60,000 to a pro-Trump super PAC.
“Businesses have always been scrutinized for their labor records, employment and hiring practices, social impact, and overall sense of purpose. But as the federal government executes a sharp turn away from progressive social policies, large swaths of the country are watching to see whether the private sector picks up that banner or runs from it.”
