Chrysler CEO Bob Nardelli ‘s poor communications judgment and skills hurt Home Depot’s reputation. But communications still doesn’t seem to be a priority for him. Rather than having corporate communications report to him, last month he put the organization under the human resources department, and the VP of communications resigned. ( I don’t blame him.)
This move signals that Nardelli doesn’t value communications — or thinks that he knows enough not to need a direct report in that function. Leadership is communications. Inspiring employees to act on ideas. Instilling confidence in partners. Building trust with the media and customers. Listening to disgruntled employees dealers and customers to get to root causes.
As Chrysler tries to make a comeback communication — not advertising — will be crucial. Methinks Nardelli is living in a bubble and when the bubble bursts he will again have egg all over his face.
Methinks you and the folks over at Under The Radar Blog have much in common if you see what I see in their post today: http://www.undertheradarblog.com/wp_blog.html
And I’ll echo here a sentiment I shared there: Love what you do but thank you most for keeping the heart beating in the chest of the tinman.
Lissa