So Tony Hayward is stepping down as CEO of BP. Although his resignation letter obviously wasn't written by a PR person...
"The Gulf of Mexico explosion was a terrible tragedy for which – as the man in charge of BP when it happened – I will always feel a deep responsibility, regardless of where blame is ultimately found to lie.
"From day one I decided that I would personally lead BP's efforts to stem the leak and contain the damage, a logistical operation unprecedented in scale and cost. We have now capped the oil flow and we are doing everything within our power to clean up the spill and to make restitution to everyone with legitimate claims.
"I would like to thank all of the BP people involved in the response and the many thousands of others along the Gulf Coast who have joined us in our efforts.
"I believe the decision I have reached with the board to step down is consistent with the responsibility BP has shown throughout these terrible events. BP will be a changed company as a result of Macondo and it is right that it should embark on its next phase under new leadership.
"I will be working closely with Bob Dudley over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition. It has been a privilege to serve BP for nearly 30 years and to lead it for the last three. I am sad to leave so many fine colleagues and friends who have helped this great company to achieve so much over the years. I am sorry that achievement has been overshadowed by the tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico."
The subtle undertones that Tony is the victim here and that his 30-year career is now spoiled was not the message to send to market. His resignation letter is about as unapologetic as you can get away with in a resignation letter. Essentially his message is - You'll see in the long run I wasn't to blame. But oh well, life isn't fair and the world needs a scapegoat so I'm it.
I am struck that yet another opportunity was lost for Tony to utter the most simply of words: We're sorry.
I don't think I've heard those words spoken since the beginning of this crisis.
Everyone knows that the oil spill can't be put at the feet of a single man (Tony Hayward didn't want this to happen). It was not the crisis that sunk Tony, but his response to it.
That stoic, tough upper lip public demeanor he showed. While normally such persona is wanted in a CEO, when your company has just caused one of the biggest natural disasters ever and lost 11 employees' lives, it comes across as heartless and inhuman.
You have to exhibit genuine empathy for those affected, you have to apologize, you have to get involved yourself in the clean up effort and you have to publicly articulate what your plans are for changing how you do business in the future.
I get that Tony probably didn't see any of those things as his immediate role - but in the theme of life isn't fair - if not the CEO then who?
I genuinely and honestly believe that Hayward and BP had the opportunity to become the face of corporate responsibility in the 21st century. But I suspect that a gaggle of lawyers took control of this whole situation the moment it unfolded and limited the actions that anyone, including Hayward, could take.
"The Gulf of Mexico explosion was a terrible tragedy for which – as the man in charge of BP when it happened – I will always feel a deep responsibility, regardless of where blame is ultimately found to lie.
"From day one I decided that I would personally lead BP's efforts to stem the leak and contain the damage, a logistical operation unprecedented in scale and cost. We have now capped the oil flow and we are doing everything within our power to clean up the spill and to make restitution to everyone with legitimate claims.
"I would like to thank all of the BP people involved in the response and the many thousands of others along the Gulf Coast who have joined us in our efforts.
"I believe the decision I have reached with the board to step down is consistent with the responsibility BP has shown throughout these terrible events. BP will be a changed company as a result of Macondo and it is right that it should embark on its next phase under new leadership.
"I will be working closely with Bob Dudley over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition. It has been a privilege to serve BP for nearly 30 years and to lead it for the last three. I am sad to leave so many fine colleagues and friends who have helped this great company to achieve so much over the years. I am sorry that achievement has been overshadowed by the tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico."
The subtle undertones that Tony is the victim here and that his 30-year career is now spoiled was not the message to send to market. His resignation letter is about as unapologetic as you can get away with in a resignation letter. Essentially his message is - You'll see in the long run I wasn't to blame. But oh well, life isn't fair and the world needs a scapegoat so I'm it.
I am struck that yet another opportunity was lost for Tony to utter the most simply of words: We're sorry.
I don't think I've heard those words spoken since the beginning of this crisis.
Everyone knows that the oil spill can't be put at the feet of a single man (Tony Hayward didn't want this to happen). It was not the crisis that sunk Tony, but his response to it.
That stoic, tough upper lip public demeanor he showed. While normally such persona is wanted in a CEO, when your company has just caused one of the biggest natural disasters ever and lost 11 employees' lives, it comes across as heartless and inhuman.
You have to exhibit genuine empathy for those affected, you have to apologize, you have to get involved yourself in the clean up effort and you have to publicly articulate what your plans are for changing how you do business in the future.
I get that Tony probably didn't see any of those things as his immediate role - but in the theme of life isn't fair - if not the CEO then who?
I genuinely and honestly believe that Hayward and BP had the opportunity to become the face of corporate responsibility in the 21st century. But I suspect that a gaggle of lawyers took control of this whole situation the moment it unfolded and limited the actions that anyone, including Hayward, could take.
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