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redseat
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https://www.freep.com/story/opinion...anna-simon-resignation-letter-msu/1067001001/
In a crisis, words matter. They shape opinion and form the basis of reputation.
When the leader of a large university resigns during a crisis and chooses not to hold a press conference, answer questions from journalists or meet directly with students and faculty, a resignation letter must do all of the talking. In that case, written words particularly matter.
The motivation of now former Michigan State University President Lou Anna Simon’s letter of resignation may have been one of protection from the growing anger at the university as more details come to light about abuse at the hands of Larry Nassar. But the result of the letter may be a first in modern public relations – it has actually deepened the crisis in East Lansing.
Resignation letters that are intended for public view are typically last gasps of leadership. They are often the first step in helping an organization close one chapter and move into another. They are typically written succinctly, following the adage that “less is more.” But Simon chose arrogance over humility, defensiveness over compassion and callousness over sensitivity, in a lengthy recitation.
In a crisis, words matter. They shape opinion and form the basis of reputation.
When the leader of a large university resigns during a crisis and chooses not to hold a press conference, answer questions from journalists or meet directly with students and faculty, a resignation letter must do all of the talking. In that case, written words particularly matter.
The motivation of now former Michigan State University President Lou Anna Simon’s letter of resignation may have been one of protection from the growing anger at the university as more details come to light about abuse at the hands of Larry Nassar. But the result of the letter may be a first in modern public relations – it has actually deepened the crisis in East Lansing.
Resignation letters that are intended for public view are typically last gasps of leadership. They are often the first step in helping an organization close one chapter and move into another. They are typically written succinctly, following the adage that “less is more.” But Simon chose arrogance over humility, defensiveness over compassion and callousness over sensitivity, in a lengthy recitation.