Update: Discussion on the MemberSpeak intranet tool, and a new posting on the IABC Chairman's Blog are covered in this more recent item of mine.
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Canadians are patient, polite people, willing to forgive much of someone if they acknowledge their shortcomings and promise to try harder next time.
Which is why, when I read Allan Jenkins criticism of IABC chairman David Kistle, I thought Allan was being too harsh, and too public in his comments. (Read the Comments below the posting for a vigorous, well-reasoned debate about leadership, IABC's future direction, advocacy and
member expectations.)
Then I waited for the response from IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) head office, or from Kistle himself. I'm still waiting, and this Canadian is starting to get pissed off.
I don't know what I was expecting, but I was expecting anticipated some response, even if it was just, "Allan, we heard your critique and were disappointed you chose to do it in such a public way. Please join a discussion in the Members section of our web site, where there can be a full, open dialogue among those most affected by your concerns about IABC's leadership and future direction."
Or maybe something on The Chairman's Blog: "There have been some criticisms of the infrequent postings to this blog. I have to apologize. I gave it a good shot, but realize I'm just not a blogging kind of guy. I won't bemaking any postings during the remainder of my term in office, but would be glad to hear from you at this e-mail address ______________."
Or even: "Dear IABC members: We have read some complaints in various weblogs and will be posting something within __ days."
Of course, the best response would be to somehow engage in a discussion about IABC's future direction. That's what organizations generally do with their paying members if they want the members to keep paying. Shel Holtzdescribes the way an effective organization would gain
momentum and "own the issue" by hosting the discussion on
its blog.
I don't really care if IABC has a blog, and if it's
written by the elected chair. There are definitely other
ways to communicate on issues. A blog would certainly be a
good way to engage the membership in talking about how
they can help fulfill IABC's mandate, and it might go a
very small way toward articulating IABC's position on
public issues such as:
- ethics in public relations,
- the credibility gap for companies and other organizations,
- the implications of new technology on organizational communications, and
- the role the public and advocacy groups play in shaping public opinion through interactive media like blogs.
I posted an item on IABC's MemberSpeak discussion forum Wednesday, with an open invitation for people to acknowledge the discussion that's taking place outside the confines of the IABC extranet, and talk among ourselves about the organization's strategic plan and our future.
So far, there have been 124 views of the discussion thread, and with one exception, all of the five comments have come from the same people who have been commenting publicly in
various blogs.
This suggests to me that either no one cares about IABC's future, or no one has the guts to speak up in case someone criticizes their point of view. Or maybe they just don't want to be associated with a bunch of muck-rakers.
Whatever the reason, the silence is deafening.
In 10 short days I've gone from being a fairly satisfied IABC member with a benign attitude toward the
organization's leadership to an annoyed skeptic, wondering why such a simple organizational communications matter can't be dealt with quickly and effectively.
If the silence continues much longer, my discontent will become anger. All because IABC can't seem to involve itself in a discussion about its future direction, and what needs to happen for it to be the pre-eminent international association for the PR profession.
As the polite Canadian in the small group of critics publicly questioning IABC's leadership approach, I can only say, "Get your act together so we can get the organization headed in the right direction. (Please.)"
I still think this discussion should be taking place in private among the membership. But since that doesn't seem to be happening, let the discussion take place wherever committed people will get involved.
Here are links to several sites where discussion is taking place.
Shel Holtz
Owning the Issue
Allan Jenkins
IABC's Kistle Should Let New Chairman Get a Headstart
Neville Hobson
Get Used to Transparency, IABC
IABC Chair Blog Can Succeed
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