email nick leth at gmail dot com. Need solutions? No worries. Now. |
Today's West (19 Jun 10) has an article headlined, "Hapless BP chief [Tony Hayward] shouldn't have fronted posturing lynch mob". The byline is Matthew Lynn, the source is Bloomberg. The "comment" is nonsense.
"All they managed to accomplish was to highlight Mr Hayward's main failing: lack of the necessary verve and aplomb to turn the conversation around."
Really?!
A man who is paid possibly millions a year -- in whatever currency he likes -- who is paid to run a major company -- lacks verve and aplomb? Come on! The man could buy and sell politicians (and possibly does). Why would he be at a loss in front of a committee of politicians?
Who is his real opponent?
"The committee members showed zero interest in getting to the real causes of the environmental disaster unfolding in the Gulf." No interest? Naturally. These are politicians. They are only interested in staying in power -- in gaining votes. They can do that by attacking today's public enemy number one.
When it came to actual facts, Hayward "argued that we should wait for the results of a full investigation". That is, he did not answer any questions.
Hayward "pointed out that he had not personally managed the rig. But his body language was that of a beaten man." So he is denying all responsibility -- denying all responsibility for the actions of the company of which he is the ultimate boss. He denies responsibility, while sitting there looking like a beaten dog.
This is, pure and simple, an exercise in public relations.
"It wasn't me," he cries, "But feel free to hit me." Doesn't matter -- hit as hard as you like -- he's well padded by his huge salary.
And speaking of that huge salary... Why is he paid a huge salary? You and I would think: huge salary, huge responsibility. But no, he had not personally managed that rig. No responsibility at all. All that he had done was to demand that the work be done cheaper and faster. I wonder if he ever used that ever-popular management demand, "I don't care how you do it -- just make it happen."
If the CEO is not responsible for the actions of a company -- who is?
Who is BP's real opponent?
When Tony Hayward turned up at the US House Energy and Commerce Committee meeting, who were his true opponents? Certainly not the committee members, they were just there to score political points with their own electorates.BP's true opponents are the pissed-off public.
The politicians asked questions which made them look concerned. The politicians wanted the voters to see and hear their concern. Other results were irrelevant. Just as well, since there were no other results.
Hayward wanted the public to see him as a beaten and remorseful man. Politicians can be bought; the public can only be influenced. When the fuss dies down, the politicians will crawl back into BP's pockets. Meanwhile, the public may somehow damage BP's profits.
As long as the voting public are baying for blood, politicians are under pressure to take some real and effective action against BP. After all, staying in power is essential; there are plenty more companies offering to buy the politicians... as long as the politicians have power that they can sell.
The main objective of BP must be, to quiet the public outcry.
"Look at me!" cries Tony Hayward, "I'm soooo beaten! Pity me... you have won... oh woe is meeeee!" He beats his chest, cries in front of the cameras -- and continues to deny all responsibility.
"Oh, woe, look at my suffering! No, I'm not going to do anything... I'm not telling anyone what actually happened... I'll still be earning millions a year while your business is broke and your environment is destroyed.. But Oh, woe! see how I can pretend to suffer!"
The public sees the suffering. So-called journalists like Matthew Lynn demand public sympathy for a filthy rich CEO with no conscience but with excellent acting abilities.
And the world goes on.
Downhill.
Agamedes Consulting. Support for your thought: email nick leth at gmail dot com |
No comments:
Post a Comment