“It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.” This piece of wisdom comes from Warren Buffett, the entrepreneur, investor and, according to Forbes, the world’s second richest man with $37 billion and an ingenious talent for communications. His every word, every move, is carefully calculated for and watched by the market.

A precious attribute like reputation is not a hard asset; however, it is measurable. While reputation can help build more tangible resources and enhance shareholder value, reputation is staked on what companies do and say. Similarly, reputation is damaged by a combination of actions and words. Leaders at any level should not delegate their responsibility for communications. Communication is just as much their job as brand stewardship. Whether you are a managing director of an office, president of a division, or chairman and CEO of a corporate behemoth, communication is within your purview and you need to own it, internally and externally, while working in concert with your public relations directors, marketing officers and senior executive team.

Continue reading "Communication – it's for to Boss" »

Posted on October 7, 2009 5:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)